Vietnam plays important role at ASEAN Summit

Vietnam was represented at the 30th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by a high-level delegation led by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Initial contributions

The summit was set to focus on such priorities as the building of the ASEAN Community, ASEAN’s external relations and the regional and global situations.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung said, “In addition to recognizing and appreciating the results achieved in the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the master plans for the ASEAN Community pillars, leaders have set new requirements for ministers, senior officials and ASEAN bodies.”

There are important activities with a series of major events this year such as the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations, the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership, and the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN Plus Three cooperation. ASEAN leaders agreed to further strengthen the bloc’s multi-faceted relationship with external partners and encourage partners to make positive contributions to regional cooperation for common peace, stability and prosperity.

In order to promote cooperation in public administration, the 10 member countries signed a declaration on increasing accountability and transparency in the civil service and highlighting the role of the civil service as a catalyst for achieving ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

Regarding the regional and global situations, ASEAN member countries emphasized the need for a strong common voice. Leaders also welcomed the presentation of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on hot issues such as terrorist attacks in Europe and tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

In terms of the East Sea, ASEAN member countries affirmed their common viewpoint that focuses on resolving disputes through peaceful solutions; strictly and fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and working towards the formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

The 30th ASEAN Summit, under the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”, was an important event, clearly defining the priorities, tasks and activities of ASEAN in 2017 and the following years.

Vietnam takes initiative

The Vietnamese delegation made important contributions to the overall success of the summit. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung said that from the preparation phase, Vietnam coordinated with the Philippines and other member states on priority themes for ASEAN Year 2017 and on the issues discussed at the summit.

Prime Minister Phuc stressed the need to give priority to meeting people’s interests and building a people-centered ASEAN. He also emphasized the necessity for ASEAN reforms and measures to better its operations and improve the effectiveness of cooperation with its partners.

In his speech, he mentioned to promoting intra-bloc cooperation and regional connectivity. In particular, Vietnam and Thailand will work together to take a leading role in improving productivity and promoting technology, creativity and innovation.

Bilateral meetings

On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Phuc held a number of meetings with heads of ASEAN member countries to further promote bilateral relations as well as resolve specific problems.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak promised to boost cooperation with Vietnam in food processing for Muslims, consider increasing the number of Vietnamese farm workers, and encourage Malaysian businesses to invest in Vietnam.

Myanmar State Counselor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi said she was inspired by Vietnam’s achievements in building and developing the country. Myanmar pledged to create favorable conditions for Vietnam’s investment and trade activities.

At the meeting between Prime Minister Phuc and Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the two agreed to further enhance cooperation in trade, oil and gas, agriculture, fisheries and tourism.

PM Phuc and his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha agreed to balance trade, promote investment cooperation, and strengthen communications and early warning to prevent their ships from violating each other’s territorial waters.