The ASEAN flag hoisting ceremony (Photo: VNA)
Talking with the Vietnam News Agency in Kuala Lumpur on the occasion of 53 years since the establishment of ASEAN, Dr. Munir Majid, who is also President of the ASEAN Business Club in Malaysia and President of the CIMB ASEAN Research Institute, affirmed that the theme of the ASEAN 2020 Chair Year of “Cohesive and Responsive” put forth by Vietnam really suits the situation, especially when the world is being caught up in the COVID-19 pandemic.
He emphasized that as ASEAN Chairman 2020, Vietnam has a responsibility to lead ASEAN to overcome the current difficulties, and that what Vietnam has done has really proven that Vietnam values ASEAN membership.
Regarding the most important achievement that ASEAN has achieved during its 53 years of development, Dr. Munir said that it is the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.
He emphasized that peace and stability play a fundamental role in the prosperity of ASEAN and its member countries.
According to the senior expert, ASEAN has also affirmed its central position and role in resolving regional issues. This is evident when the association plays a role of organizing cooperative activities, meetings, dialogues and forums with the participation of countries outside the region, including the great powers.
Dr. Munir also addressed the issue of strengthening and maintaining ASEAN's intra-regional solidarity.
He said that ASEAN must have a single and active voice in discussions at forums, in order to maintain peace and stability in the region and an open world economy.
He stressed that ASEAN member countries should continue their efforts to control and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic while reopening economies, resuming production, and overcoming the impact of the pandemic.
He also pointed out that ASEAN must maintain more growth in the regional market in the future; integrate substantially into the regional economy; and consider the establishment of a single market and production base as very important factors./.