Vietnam's 30th anniversary of joining ASEAN from an international perspective: Proactive, responsible and shaping the region's future

Exactly 30 years since officially becoming the 7th member of ASEAN on July 28, 1995, Vietnam has been affirming its position as an active, proactive and responsible member in the regional community. Positive assessments from scholars, diplomats and representatives of international organizations have shown Vietnam's increasingly prominent role in shaping the future of ASEAN.

Scholar Kavi Chongkittavorn (Thailand):

Vietnam is a “stabilizing force” and a development model of ASEAN.

Scholar Kavi Chongkittavorn (right) answers an interview. (Photo: VNA)

According to the Vietnam News Agency, veteran Thai scholar Kavi Chongkittavorn emphasized that Vietnam is one of the important shaping factors in ASEAN. He highly appreciated Vietnam's consistent commitment to multilateralism, open markets and regional peace , saying that these are factors that "contribute to shaping ASEAN's agenda in a meaningful way".

Since joining ASEAN, Vietnam has clearly identified two strategic focuses: economic development and national security. According to Mr. Kavi, these dual goals have promoted Vietnam's regional and international integration process, and helped Vietnam become a model of dynamic socio -economic transformation.

He also affirmed that with its flexible policy adjustment capacity, Vietnam has effectively utilized ASEAN economic cooperation frameworks, expanded development space and affirmed its position in important economic mechanisms such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).

Mr. Kavi pointed out three leading roles of Vietnam in ASEAN: “Stabilizing force” to help consolidate ASEAN’s central role in a complex geopolitical context; Dynamic development model, contributing to narrowing the development gap in the region; Leading economic integration, promoting ASEAN to become an inclusive, people-centered community.

In the context of increasingly fierce geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific, Thai scholars believe that Vietnam can play the role of a “dialogue bridge” between major powers, thanks to its substantive and flexible relations with both the US and China. Mr. Kavi expects that by 2045, Vietnam will be the leading country in ASEAN in economic integration and innovation, with a young workforce, a rapidly developing technology sector, and a strong digital transformation policy. According to him, if Vietnam maintains its current development momentum, it will not only continue to rise but also contribute to shaping the common future of ASEAN.

ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn:

Vietnam plays a key role in shaping ASEAN's common future

ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn. (Photo: VOV)

According to Voice of Vietnam, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam joining ASEAN, ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn affirmed that Vietnam becoming an ASEAN member in 1995 was a historic turning point towards a united, peaceful and prosperous Southeast Asia. He said that Vietnam's accession was a catalyst for the process of ASEAN expansion, paving the way for the admission of Laos, Myanmar (1997) and Cambodia (1999), realizing the ASEAN-10 model. Since then, Vietnam has always played a pioneering role in narrowing the development gap within the bloc, typically through the Hanoi Declaration 2001 - a document chaired by Vietnam.

He emphasized that Vietnam's three terms as ASEAN Chair in 1998, 2010 and 2020 all marked important milestones: In 1998, helping ASEAN overcome the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis; In 2010, promoting ASEAN connectivity and expanding the East Asia Summit; In 2020, effectively leading ASEAN in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic through the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF).

The ASEAN Secretary General affirmed: “Vietnam has truly transformed itself from a low-income country into one of the most dynamic and influential members of ASEAN.” Not only contributing economically, Vietnam is also active in foreign affairs, expanding comprehensive strategic partnerships, promoting ASEAN cooperation with partners such as the US, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, etc. Through that, Vietnam strengthens its role as a link between ASEAN and the world.

“The strength of the organization can only be maintained when each member country thrives and continues to commit to building a regional community. As ASEAN adopts the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, Vietnam’s leadership and active role will continue to be pivotal in shaping ASEAN’s shared future,” he concluded.

Member countries and partners appreciate Vietnam's role in ASEAN.

According to Voice of Vietnam, Malaysian Ambassador to ASEAN Sarah Al Bakri Devadason emphasized Vietnam's indispensable role in maintaining peace, promoting stability and enhancing regional prosperity. According to her, in its role as ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam has led the region through the global health crisis, affirming its effective leadership capacity and solidarity.

Vietnam also made its mark in the initiative to organize the ASEAN Future Forum, which brings together leaders and policymakers to discuss long-term development orientations. Vietnam is currently the Chair of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force 2025, once again demonstrating its commitment to promoting inclusive growth and narrowing the development gap.

Malaysian Ambassador to ASEAN Sarah Al Bakri Devadason in an interview. (Photo: VOV)

Australian Ambassador to ASEAN Tiffany McDonald said that Vietnam’s outstanding achievements are not only for national interests, but also make important contributions to ASEAN’s common future. In particular, the Hanoi Declaration on the ASEAN Community Vision beyond 2025 proposed by Vietnam has helped shape the strategic direction to 2045.

Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko highly appreciated Vietnam’s position in both regional security and economic development. He emphasized: “Vietnam is located on the strategic sea route between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and is a key partner in addressing security challenges and enhancing supply chain connectivity in the region.”

The Japanese Ambassador also affirmed that Vietnam-Japan bilateral cooperation will contribute to deepening ASEAN-Japan relations, while promoting ASEAN's common goal of a peaceful and prosperous region.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/dau-an-30-nam-viet-nam-gia-nhap-asean-duoi-goc-nhin-quoc-te-chu-dong-trach-nhiem-va-dinh-hinh-tuong-lai-khu-vuc-215023.html