Lao Ambassador: Vietnam's diplomatic initiatives contribute to increasing trust among ASEAN members

Over the past three decades, Vietnam has been an active and committed member in promoting solidarity and unity in decision-making as well as promoting ASEAN's central role in the region.

Within the framework of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son had a bilateral meeting with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane on July 8 in Malaysia. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Actively shape the agenda

Since becoming an ASEAN member in 1995, Vietnam has always strived to strengthen intra-bloc solidarity through promoting dialogue and resolving disagreements. As a key member, Vietnam has supported ASEAN in maintaining a unified stance on key regional issues, thereby helping the Association stand firm in the face of geopolitical challenges.

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh. (Photo: Anh Duc)

Vietnam has actively contributed to shaping ASEAN's agenda, especially during its ASEAN Chairmanship terms in 1998, 2010 and 2020.

Notably, in 2020, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam successfully led ASEAN to respond in a cohesive manner, through the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and strengthened the Association's central role in the regional architecture.

Vietnam is also a leader in promoting the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, encouraging inclusiveness and ASEAN-led mechanisms. In addition, since 2024, Vietnam has initiated the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) to promote new initiatives and enhance cooperation within the ASEAN community.

Besides, Vietnam has contributed to maintaining harmony within the bloc by mediating disagreements and sticking to principles such as non-interference and peaceful settlement of disputes.

Vietnam's diplomatic initiatives have contributed to increasing trust among member states, thereby ensuring ASEAN continues to be a cohesive voice in international forums.

By prioritizing ASEAN centrality, Vietnam has strengthened the Association’s role in important partnerships, including with China, the United States and the European Union. Through these contributions, Vietnam has helped ASEAN maintain its fundamental role in ensuring regional stability and cooperation.

ASEAN Way – the compass

In his speech at the opening ceremony of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM), Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted a number of challenges facing ASEAN, including tariffs, export restrictions, investment barriers, geopolitical competition and conflicts in many parts of the world.

ASEAN was formed in a complex context, but has persevered through it and maintained peace and prosperity in a way that few regions have. The Malaysian Prime Minister stressed that ASEAN must continue to uphold the principles of mutual respect, dialogue and consensus-seeking – that is the “ASEAN way” and that continues to guide us.

The ASEAN Chair 2025 also stressed the importance of promoting ASEAN centrality, that ASEAN must continue to be the main pillar for regional dialogues.

In addition, ASEAN needs to strengthen its internal foundation, promote trade and investment among member countries. ASEAN also needs to strengthen cooperation to bring practical benefits to the people, continuing to focus on practical cooperation areas such as connectivity, food security, digital transformation, education, public health and resilience to climate change.

On this issue, I completely agree with the views expressed by the Malaysian Prime Minister on the development path of ASEAN in the coming time. These are all key factors that help ASEAN effectively deal with current challenges.

To do this, it is important that ASEAN maintains its unity and centrality, upholds its distinctive approach to cooperation and strongly promotes the spirit of community. ASEAN needs to prioritize its central role in the regional architecture, ensuring that the Association continues to be the main driving force for regional cooperation and integration.

General Secretary Ngo Phuong Ly's wife and Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh (far right) personally wrapped Chung cakes on the occasion of the traditional New Year in January 2025. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Economically, Laos and Vietnam will continue to work closely to promote intra-ASEAN trade and investment. In addition, ASEAN member states need to cooperate to build trust, enhance mutual understanding and foster a sense of common destiny. This can be achieved through regular dialogue, consultation, cooperation and enhanced people-to-people exchanges.

For Vietnam as well as other ASEAN member states, in my opinion, we can all continue to contribute to ASEAN's common efforts in promoting peace, security and stability in the region - important foundations to facilitate the development of the region.

Collaboration to facilitate development

The ASEAN Community Vision 2045 is an important document that reflects the region's great aspiration for a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centered ASEAN.

In that spirit, Laos and Vietnam need to increase awareness of ASEAN, narrow the development gap to bring practical benefits to the people. This vision provides long-term orientation for ASEAN's development, setting out the goals and aspirations of the region in the coming decades.

The document also takes a holistic approach to development, including economic, social and environmental aspects; and emphasizes the role of innovation, technology and sustainability in promoting growth and development, including people-centered development and narrowing the development gap among ASEAN member states.

We have always kept in mind the aspirations of ASEAN’s founding principles to build trust, maintain peace, expand cooperation and bring benefits to our peoples. Over the past 58 years, ASEAN has made many remarkable achievements as our region continues to maintain peace and stability.

In that spirit, I believe that aspiration remains valid as we implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Laos and Vietnam, together with other ASEAN member states, should continue to coordinate closely to maintain peace, security and stability, thereby creating favorable conditions for regional development.

This will also contribute to the realization of the goals set out in the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the Association's four Strategic Plans, and bring the ASEAN Community closer to the people for a long time to come.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dai-su-lao-nhung-sang-kien-ngoai-giao-cua-viet-nam-gop-phan-gia-tang-long-tin-giua-cac-thanh-vien-asean-322583.html