Vietnam's active engagement during the recent ASEAN Summits has underscored its role as a proactive and responsible member of the regional bloc, enhancing its position on the international stage. From October 8 to 11, 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh led the Vietnamese delegation at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits held in Vientiane, Laos. The theme of the summits was "Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience," reflecting the shared ambitions of member states to tackle common challenges and explore new avenues for growth and cooperation.
During the summits, PM Chinh emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to fostering strong ties within ASEAN and with external partners. His leadership was marked by significant contributions to discussions concerning ASEAN's future and its strategic direction. More than 30 leaders from ASEAN countries participated, alongside representatives from ASEAN partner nations, bringing the total number of delegates to around 2,000.
"ASEAN remains a global economic bright spot, acting as both a bridge for dialogue and cooperation and the focal point for integration within the region," shared PM Chinh. This statement highlighted ASEAN's potential to transform challenges, such as climate change and digital transformation, Into cooperative strategies. Throughout more than 60 bilateral and multilateral meetings, Vietnam solidified its commitment to regional stability and development, with PM Chinh advocating for resilience as the foundation for future growth.
Significantly, the summits concluded with nearly 90 documents addressing various aspects of cooperation among member states and with partners. These included commitments to sustainable agriculture, environmental protections, and enhanced supply chain connectivity. The participants also explored new areas of collaboration such as the digital economy and renewable energy.
PM Chinh proposed three key directions for ASEAN’s partnerships: promoting regional peace and security, strengthening economic ties, and ensuring inclusive growth. His remarks during the summits aimed at reinforcing the bloc's influence and the importance of establishing connections across different sectors like culture, tourism, and education, thereby ensuring comprehensive growth.
One notable interaction during the summits was with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, where PM Chinh expressed Vietnam’s support for the UN’s central role in global governance. He called for increased cooperation aimed at improving disaster resilience and energy transition strategies. The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam's contributions to peacekeeping and its efficacy as a voice for developing countries. He referred to Vietnam as a model of sustainable development and reiterated the importance of collaboration.
Another highlight was the meeting between PM Chinh and leaders from Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and India to discuss bilateral cooperation and shared goals for the region. With Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, they focused on economic security and infrastructure projects, continuing efforts to deepen Vietnam-Japan ties. With Australian PM Anthony Albanese, discussions revolved around climate adaptation and the digital economy, showcasing Vietnam's ambition to engage deeply with its partners.
The Vietnamese delegation also took the opportunity to affirm the nation’s historical relationships, particularly with Laos and Cambodia, emphasizing trilateral cooperation as key to regional stability. Engagements underscored common socio-economic goals and collaborative ventures across various fields, including high-tech agriculture, transportation infrastructure, and environmental management.
"Vietnam views ASEAN as central to its foreign policy, fostering inclusivity and connectivity," noted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. He highlighted the summits as catalysts for igniting aspirations and resilience across the region. The outcomes have solidified Vietnam's role not only as a cooperative partner but also as a leader within the ASEAN framework.
The recent meetings and agreements reflect the changing dynamics within Southeast Asia, marked by increasing interdependence among nations as they navigate shared challenges. With its proactive stance, Vietnam continues to position itself as a key player capable of influencing regional developments.
The future looks promising for Vietnam's role within ASEAN, with its continuous commitment to fostering solidarity and enhancing collaborative efforts. The nation's leaders are focused on integrating new economic strategies and environmental sustainability measures, ensuring Vietnam's influence persists well beyond the confines of the summits held this month.
