Unity is vital for ASEAN survival
(VOVWORLD) -The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is celebrating its 50th founding anniversary today. Over the past half a century, ASEAN has been a common house of special identities.
 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh |
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh told VOV that the occasion is an opportunity for ASEAN to review what it has achieved and decide its future. ASEAN should raise high the flag of solidarity as a vital element for its survival.
Mr. Minh said ASEAN’s outstanding achievement over the past 5 decades is to rally countries of diverse cultures and political regimes. From an organization of struggling countries, ASEAN has evolved into the most dynamic Economic Community in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Minh told VOV: “ASEAN has mechanisms to strengthen internal cohesion and political, security, and defense mechanisms to engage large countries. It’s ASEAN’s identity and value.”
ASEAN has continued to promote its achievements to become a strong community. “ASEAN countries have agreed on a Vision to 2025, with a target to build a political, economic, and social responsibility sharing community. The people will center its policy and law rules all activities. ASEAN intends to strengthen its self-reliance to promote its central role.” Minh said.