Ambassador Tran Thanh Cong speaking at the ceremony (Photo: VNA)
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Tran Thanh Cong reviewed the outstanding achievements of ASEAN during the process of development for more than half a century.
He said that the success of ASEAN has a significant contribution of Vietnam, reflected in most ASEAN cooperation activities, especially an important contribution to the early implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.
Notably, Vietnam has actively launched many new proposals and promoted ASEAN’s role, receiving the applause and support of other countries.
Mr. Cong said that in the context of ASEAN's recent impact on the solidarity, prestige and position of the region, Vietnam has tried to consolidate solidarity, unity and the role of ASEAN in regional issues, in handling traditional and non-traditional security challenges, as well as those arising in relations with partners.
At the same time, Vietnam promotes practical cooperation in mechanisms and important regional forums initiated by ASEAN to create consensus, within ASEAN and between ASEAN and its partners, on the role of ASEAN and the common interests of all countries to maintain peace, stability, security, maritime and aviation safety in the East Sea.
Vietnam promotes the East Sea issue in documents of ASEAN conferences and forums with positive content; emphasizes the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and soon completing the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
The ambassador said that in 2020, as the rotating President of ASEAN, Vietnam is ready to contribute in all aspects, affirming its role as a reputable, proactive, dynamic and responsible member.
Together realizing the ASEAN Vision 2025, Vietnam will continue to further promote its role, promote substantive cooperation fields, bringing specific benefits to the people of each member country; further strengthening communication and raising awareness so that the ASEAN Community is increasingly attached to each people and above all, to maintain solidarity, unity and the value principles, which create the identity and the success of ASEAN.
In an interview with Vietnam News Agency, Thai Ambassador to Egypt Chainarong Keratiyutwong said that this year Thailand held the rotating President of ASEAN and his country so far has successfully implemented its role.
He said it was a pleasure to know that Vietnam will be the rotating President of ASEAN in next year. He believed that Vietnam will do its job well to reinforce and strengthen the cooperation of ASEAN./.