Vietnam stands as a vital member of ASEAN

Since the country's accession on July 28, 1995, ASEAN has consistently served as a direct strategic space for Vietnam's security, development, and foreign policy. Over the past 31 years, Vietnam has made substantial and effective contributions to the bloc's key developmental milestones.

In this new phase, the nation is translating its evolving mindset into action by introducing initiatives, forging consensus, shaping regional agendas, and contributing practically to ASEAN's operational capacity, prestige, and collective voice.

The 59th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) and related events in the Philippines from July 19-24 reaffirmed this paradigm shift. Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung led the Vietnamese delegation, tabling key proposals to strengthen adherence to the association's principles and promote  deeper, more resilient economic integration. Across nearly 20 meetings, Vietnam left a distinct mark, outlining multiple ideas to consolidate solidarity, enhance resilience, and deepen ASEAN connectivity.

As the bloc embarks on the first year of its Community Vision 2045, Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn highlighted the country's crucial role in driving the region forward.

"ASEAN has just begun implementing the Community Vision 2045 and four new strategic plans. With strong leadership from Vietnam, I think that is very important for ASEAN," he said.

He expressed confidence that Vietnam will make immense contributions across the ASEAN Economic, Political-Security, and Socio-Cultural communities. Highlighting infrastructure projects linking the country internally, with other member states, and with extra-regional nations as a "new driver," the ASEAN chief reiterated that Vietnam is a highly crucial member of the association.

Acting as the coordinator for two ASEAN Dialogue Partners, Vietnam has made significant strides in advancing ties with the UK and New Zealand. It chaired negotiations to adopt the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action 2027-2031 and the ASEAN-UK Foreign Ministers' Joint Statement on Cooperation under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), while consolidating consensus within the bloc to admit the UK as the 28th member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

Vietnam also led negotiations to adopt the ASEAN-New Zealand Foreign Ministers' Joint Statement on promoting regional resilience and pushed for the comprehensive implementation of the ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action 2026-2030, prioritizing "quality over quantity." This further affirms its role in laying a solid foundation for cooperation between ASEAN and its dialogue partners in the inaugural year of the Vision 2045.

The ASEAN Future Forum, an initiative pioneered by Vietnam, is rapidly emerging as an inclusive platform connecting governments, scholars, businesses, and youth to discuss the bloc's long-term trajectory. Building its brand and credibility, the forum serves as a practical channel for policy planning, cooperation, and reinforcing ASEAN's centrality.

Malaysian Ambassador to ASEAN Sarah Al Bakri Devadason lauded the forum as a highly positive initiative. She noted that its themes of unity, inclusivity, and resilience perfectly align with ASEAN's core principles. Amid a challenging geopolitical environment, the diplomat said the forum provides an opportunity for candid and thorough dialogue among those dedicated to moving the association forward.

International partners increasingly value Vietnam's role and prestige both regionally and globally. The country is recognized for its balanced, responsible voice and its ability to bridge partners with ASEAN, contributing to peace, stability, maritime security, the rule of law, and collective responses to shared challenges. The nation's strength, stature, and strategic autonomy are actively fueling ASEAN's collective growth.

Professor Hikmahanto Juwana, former Rector of Jenderal Achmad Yani University in Indonesia, observed that the ASEAN Economic Community has not yet generated a massive impact on member states. He noted that if Indonesia and Vietnam, two major regional economies, can collaborate and set their partnership as a model for others, it would greatly help materialize the economic community.

"He emphasized the need for cooperation to ensure the bloc operates as a unified entity for fairer international trade, calling it vital for the survival and progress of not only Indonesia and Vietnam but the entire association."

As ASEAN transforms into a more dynamic, resilient, and inclusive growth pole, Vietnam gains favorable conditions to achieve its rapid and sustainable development goals. "In this spirit, the nation continues to work alongside the bloc, contributing proactively, responsibly, and effectively to the ASEAN Community building process, shaping and leading in its areas of capability.

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