Speaking at the opening ceremony, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that in a volatile world , ASEAN needs to maintain a spirit of initiative, strategic autonomy, and solidarity to shape the future of the region. Prime Minister Anwar shared that ASEAN's true strength lies in its solidarity, cohesion, and commitment to overcome differences in the spirit of mutual respect, readiness for dialogue, and steadfast pursuit of consensus.
“ASEAN was not born in a favorable environment, but was forged from instability, complexity and division. From there, ASEAN learned how to cooperate, together maintain peace and develop prosperity.” In the context of conflicts, widespread suspicion and unilateral actions that seriously threaten international peace and order, ASEAN needs to be a pioneering force, promoting a strong common voice to protect international law.
Faced with the reality of economic tools being weaponized to serve geopolitical competition, the Malaysian Prime Minister emphasized that ASEAN needs to act soberly, clearly and decisively. Most importantly, ASEAN must decide its own path, with purpose, vision and goals. ASEAN needs to promote substantive integration, strengthen coordination between the diplomatic and economic pillars, and strengthen linkages between sectors to build an inclusive and sustainable economy. ASEAN needs to continue to prioritize areas of cooperation that bring concrete benefits to the people, especially connectivity, food security, digital transformation, education, healthcare and climate resilience.
Prime Minister Anwar also expressed his expectation to welcome Timor-Leste as an official member of ASEAN, calling on countries to continue to support Timor-Leste's full integration not only institutionally but also in the common future vision of ASEAN and the region.
* Immediately after the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and other Ministers attended the plenary session, focusing on discussing the implementation of the decisions of the Leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit and the upcoming orientation for the process of building the ASEAN Community.
In its report at the meeting, the ASEAN Geoeconomic Task Force shared its assessment of the risks and impacts of global geoeconomic fragmentation, and emphasized that ASEAN can adapt effectively by strengthening its internal capacity, deepening the integration process, and promoting the shaping of new rules of the game. The Group is expected to submit its report and specific recommendations to the 47th ASEAN Summit in October.
Sharing the current difficulties facing the region and ASEAN, the Ministers emphasized that ASEAN needs to continue to strengthen its belief in multilateralism, adapt to geopolitical shifts with the core task of maintaining a long-term vision combined with a clear strategy. ASEAN needs to continue to promote its role in creating space for cooperation, promoting dialogue and strategic trust.
Regarding the orientation of ASEAN cooperation in the coming time, the countries agreed to urgently implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and new strategies, in which all ASEAN specialized agencies need to promptly identify priorities, concretize the proposed orientations in their fields, ensure close coordination and harmonious connection with the inter-sectoral and inter-pillar approach.
In particular, the countries highlighted the need to enhance intra-bloc trade and investment, facilitate trade, expand regional connectivity in infrastructure, power grids, energy and digital connectivity, and diversify relations with partners. ASEAN needs to continue to prioritize enhancing the region's adaptive capacity to new growth drivers as well as responding to the impacts of climate change, natural disasters and extreme weather events.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son highlighted the core values that have contributed to ASEAN's success, including solidarity and mutual respect. In the current period of instability, solidarity, ASEAN's central role and strong commitment to inclusive and sustainable development continue to be the guiding principles for the ASEAN Community. On that basis, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister proposed three key orientations for ASEAN in the coming time.
Firstly, aiming to become the world's fourth largest economy by 2030. ASEAN needs to continue to prioritize maintaining strong economic growth. Along with promoting intra-regional economic integration and effectively implementing the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), ASEAN needs to review and utilize existing FTAs with partners, expand inter-regional economic integration, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), to diversify markets, products and supply chains. ASEAN needs to take advantage of e-commerce to facilitate intra-regional trade, as well as expand its network of external markets.
Second, towards a leading digital community. ASEAN needs to accelerate negotiations on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement, ensuring that it meets practical needs, especially those of micro, small and medium enterprises. New growth drivers such as digital transformation and innovation ecosystems need to be integrated into cooperation frameworks with partners to mobilize resources and technical support. These efforts also need to be specified in both ASEAN and sub-regional cooperation programs to create cohesion and mutual support. In its role as Chair of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force, Vietnam will coordinate with other countries to implement these contents in the next phase of the IAI Work Plan.
Third, to build a truly people-oriented community. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister emphasized that ASEAN needs to strengthen its connection with the people. ASEAN's role is not only present through high-level statements but more importantly, needs to be spread through specific and practical actions. The region's communication strategy needs to be promoted to more widely promote ASEAN's important achievements and contributions through real stories of real people and real events. Vietnam will soon develop a plan to implement ASEAN 2045 strategic documents at the national level to bring ASEAN closer to the people, businesses and localities.
At the conference, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister affirmed that Vietnam supports and coordinates with other countries in preparing for Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN. Vietnam is ready to assist Timor-Leste in completing the criteria, including joining legal documents, and at the same time, requested ASEAN to soon have a plan to support Timor-Leste in effectively integrating and fully fulfilling its membership obligations.
* On the afternoon of July 9, ASEAN Foreign Ministers will continue their working program with a closed session of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
Source: https://baolamdong.vn/asean-thuc-day-hoi-nhap-thuc-chat-ket-noi-vi-nguoi-dan-va-tuong-lai-khu-vuc-381714.html
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