(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN in 1995 was one of the most important milestones in its regional and international integration, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh.
 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh (Photo: VOV) |
At a seminar in Hanoi on Tuesday celebrating ASEAN’s 53rd founding anniversary and Vietnam’s 25-year ASEAN membership, Mr. Minh said Viet Nam’s efforts as the ASEAN Chair over the past seven months have demonstrated its cohesive and responsive spirit. He added, “ASEAN and non-ASEAN countries believe in Vietnam, especially in its role as ASEAN’s chairman this year. The current international trust in Vietnam stems from its contributions to building the ASEAN community over the past 25 years.”
Vu Ho, head of the ASEAN Department of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Vietnam is proving itself an essential part of ASEAN.
“Vietnam has played an active and responsible role for the past 25 years. Vietnam's decision to join ASEAN 25 years ago was a good one, making a new approach for Vietnam's foreign policy. During its 25 years in ASEAN, Vietnam has contributed to ASEAN’s politics, economy, culture, and social security, ” Mr. Ho said.