(VOVWORLD) - The 31st ASEAN Summit and related meetings opened in Manila, the Philippines, on Monday. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and leaders of ASEAN and dialogue partner countries will discuss ways to strengthen connectivity and realize the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 to promote the region’s peace, stability, self-reliance, and openness.
 The 31st ASEAN Summit opens in Manila, the Philippines on November 13 (Photo VNA)pens |
The 31st ASEAN Summit and related meetings will include ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3 and the East Sea Summit. Leaders of ASEAN countries and ASEAN partners – China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the US, India, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the EU and the UN – will attend the events.
ASEAN and its partners strengthen links
In the context of complicated regional and global developments, increasing protectionism, and emerging challenges, the Summit will focus on strengthening links and ASEAN’s role, promoting economic growth, narrowing development gaps, and increasing the capability of the ASEAN Community.
ASEAN and its partners will discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and regional and global issues of mutual concern. They will also focus on ASEAN’s role in the regional structure and the realization of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.
Over the past few years, ASEAN has gained remarkable achievements, which are reflected in the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the attached Master Plan. ASEAN has implemented more than 220 out of 290 (77%)of its action plans and strengthened cooperation on human rights, maritime security, cybersecurity, post-conflict peace maintenance and revitalization, and fighting terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, environmental crimes, and money laundering.
ASEAN has established 11 dialogue partnerships including 7 strategic partnerships.
Dozens of documents will be signed and approved at the meetings, including agreements on protecting and promoting migrant worker rights, internet and digital policies, food security, anti-corruption efforts, and protecting marine and coastal environments in the East Sea.
Vietnam contributes to realizing ASEAN Community Vision
By attending the ASEAN Summit and related meetings Vietnam hopes to contribute to strengthening ASEAN’s unity, promoting ASEAN’s central role, expanding and deepening ASEAN’s relations with its partners, and creating a favorable environment to promote growth in each country and in the region. Vietnam also wants to boost its prestige and protect its interests.
The Prime Ministers of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar will attend the 9th Mekong-Japan Summit hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The leaders will discuss implementation of the Action Plan to realize the Tokyo Strategy 2015 and ways to further boost Mekong-Japan ties.