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| Representatives of ASEAN countries at the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Laos. (Photo: hanoimoi.vn) |
Over nearly three decades, Vietnam has adopted a proactive and responsible approach in its participation in ASEAN, making substantial and practical contributions. These efforts have laid the foundation for building a cohesive ASEAN Community across three pillars: political-security, economic and socio-cultural. Vietnam has also played a crucial role in maintaining unity within ASEAN and reinforcing its central role in regional and international matters. These contributions have not only enhanced Vietnam's image and position internationally but also effectively leveraged resources for the country's socio-economic development goals.
Vietnam's role within ASEAN is highlighted by three significant milestones: chairing the ASEAN Standing Committee from 2000-2001, and twice serving as ASEAN Chair in 2010 and 2020 after the adoption of the ASEAN Charter. In 2001, Vietnam promoted the adoption of the Hanoi Declaration on Narrowing the Development Gap, officially launching the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) to address development disparities within ASEAN. In 2010, under Vietnam's chairmanship, important decisions were made, such as approving the first Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC 2015) and expanding the East Asia Summit (EAS) to include Russia and the United States. Additionally, a framework for defense cooperation between ASEAN and its partners was established through the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). In 2020, amid unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam promoted a cohesive ASEAN Community that effectively and promptly responded to the crisis.
Vietnam consistently leads in fulfilling commitments related to ASEAN regional economic integration and is a key proponent of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. The country has also contributed significantly to developing strategic cooperation frameworks for ASEAN up to 2045, integrating and promoting various issues such as the East Sea, sub-regional cooperation, climate change response, digital transformation, energy transition, and infrastructure, institutional and human connectivity.
In ASEAN's external relations, Vietnam has effectively served as a coordinator, enhancing practical and effective cooperation between ASEAN and key partners like China, the United States, Russia, Japan and the Republic of Korea. During the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Laos, Vietnam officially transferred its role as coordinator of ASEAN-RoK relations and took on the role of coordinating ASEAN's relations with New Zealand and the United Kingdom. At the meeting, the RoK and ASEAN countries expressed their gratitude and appreciation for Vietnam's efforts and significant contributions as the coordinator of ASEAN-RoK relations over the past three years.
In conclusion, after nearly three decades of ASEAN membership, Vietnam, along with other member countries, has continuously contributed to the formation and development of the ASEAN Community. Vietnam's contributions reflect a consistent spirit of peace, harmony, friendship and commitment to a strong, united and influential ASEAN on the global stage./.