Building on six decades of achievements, ASEAN must embrace breakthrough thinking and sharper strategies to enhance regional connectivity, cooperation, and resilience in the face of evolving global challenges.
Speaking at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, Party General Secretary Tô Lâm emphasized the urgent need for ASEAN to fortify intra-bloc solidarity, strengthen economic resilience through innovation, and reinforce its strategic autonomy. His remarks were delivered during the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Việt Nam’s accession to ASEAN, as part of his State visit to Indonesia.
Strategic Vision for ASEAN’s Growth
Lâm outlined a bold roadmap for ASEAN’s continued development, calling for:
- Stronger Regional Solidarity & Strategic Autonomy – Ensuring ASEAN remains a cohesive and independent entity amid a shifting global landscape.
- Innovative Economic Resilience – Driving growth through cutting-edge development solutions and regional trade expansion.
- ASEAN Identity & Institutional Efficiency – Promoting cultural uniqueness while enhancing the effectiveness of ASEAN institutions and decision-making bodies.
- Global Integration & Diplomacy – Strengthening ASEAN’s role in international politics, economy, and security frameworks.
Highlighting ASEAN’s accomplishments, Lâm acknowledged the bloc’s central role in maintaining peace, stability, and fostering economic partnerships. However, he also underscored the unprecedented challenges ASEAN faces today, including geopolitical shifts, rapid technological advancements, and rising non-traditional security threats such as climate change and cybersecurity risks.
Việt Nam’s Commitment to ASEAN’s Progress
Lâm reaffirmed ASEAN’s importance in Việt Nam’s foreign policy and development strategy. Since joining ASEAN, Việt Nam has established diplomatic ties with 194 nations, forming strategic partnerships with 35 countries, including all ASEAN members and key global partners. Additionally, Việt Nam’s participation in over 70 international forums and its extensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) network with more than 60 economies have solidified its position as one of the world’s top 40 economies and a leading player in global trade and investment.
Looking ahead, Lâm stressed that Việt Nam remains committed to enhancing ASEAN cooperation through innovation, pragmatic policy approaches, and proactive contributions to regional and global affairs.
Global Recognition of Việt Nam’s ASEAN Leadership
The event also featured remarks from ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, ambassadors, and key stakeholders, all of whom praised Việt Nam’s instrumental role in strengthening ASEAN over the past three decades. They highlighted Việt Nam’s leadership during its three ASEAN Chairmanships, its initiatives in economic and trade cooperation, and its efforts to address global challenges while maintaining regional peace and stability.
The international community expressed confidence in Việt Nam’s continued leadership in driving ASEAN’s growth, reinforcing its centrality in global affairs, and shaping the future of the region through strategic innovation and collective action.
As ASEAN moves forward into a new era, Việt Nam’s proactive engagement and commitment to regional cooperation will remain a key force in ensuring ASEAN’s success in navigating the complexities of an evolving world.
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