(VOVWORLD) -Vietnam has always valued and contributed its utmost to ASEAN’s development over the past 30 years in pursuit of the bloc’s overarching goals, Party General Secretary To Lam said, adding that drawing from its own experiences, Vietnam will continue its contributions to the ASEAN Community’s development.
 Party General Secretary To Lam delivers a policy speech at the ASEAN Secretariat. Photo: VOV
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General Secretary Lam had a working session with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN during the Vietnamese Party leader’s historic visit to the Secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Agreeing with the key directions outlined by Kao Kim Hourn, Mr. Lam emphasized that ASEAN must remain a united and cohesive bloc. Only through unity can ASEAN overcome challenges in today’s complex global landscape. He also stressed that bilateral cooperation among ASEAN member states must serve the broader development and combined strength of the bloc.
The ASEAN chief called Mr. Lam visit, the first by a general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam to the ASEAN Secretariat, a historic milestone. He said the visit underscores ASEAN’s importance in Vietnam’s foreign policy, particularly as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN and the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Community.
Kao Kim Hourn praised Vietnam’s important contributions to ASEAN and the ASEAN Community and expressed hope that Vietnam will continue to play a leading role in the bloc.
Following the official welcome ceremony, General Secretary To Lam planted a commemorative tree in the Secretariat’s compound and presented a painting to be displayed in the ASEAN Secretariat’s traditional exhibition room. This artwork is Vietnam’s seventh contribution among a total of 142 pieces gifted by leaders of ASEAN member states and their partners.