On the occasion of the 57th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations - ASEAN (August 8, 1967 - August 8, 2024) and 29 years of Vietnam's membership in ASEAN (July 28, 1995 - July 28, 2024), on August 8, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Đỗ Hùng Việt chaired the ASEAN Flag-Raising Ceremony on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn.
In his speech at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Đỗ Hùng Việt emphasized the increasingly important role and position of ASEAN. In the context of a world full of turmoil and uncertainty, with conflicts and divisions, ASEAN continues to be a model of success in regional integration and cooperation.
Deputy Minister Đỗ Hùng Việt shared that with the policy of "ASEAN cooperation and integration is the top priority and a strategic choice", Vietnam has always made efforts and contributed wholeheartedly to a united and strong ASEAN. In the future, Vietnam will continue to work with other ASEAN countries to maintain and promote the achievements, share the responsibilities, cooperate and support Laos in implementing the goals and priorities under the theme "Promoting Connectivity and Self-Reliance" of the 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship, laying an important foundation for the sustainable development of the ASEAN Community in the future.
In a world economic landscape with many gray tones, ASEAN continues to be a bright spot in growth. With a GDP of $3,800 billion in 2023, ASEAN is the world's 5th largest economy and is expected to rise to 4th place by 2030 with the current growth rate. ASEAN is currently an attractive investment destination, with total FDI reaching $229 billion in 2023, surpassing all other developing economies.
In 1995, Vietnam officially began the process of cooperation and integration with ASEAN. Vietnam had to make continuous efforts to catch up with the pace and fully participate in all areas of ASEAN cooperation, and even more actively and proactively contribute to the process.
The 29-year effort has brought about proud achievements for Vietnam, from fulfilling its member responsibilities in the early days to confidently participating, contributing to shaping ASEAN's strategies.
Vietnam's position and reputation in ASEAN are the result of the efforts of various ministries, branches, localities, businesses, and people. The success of the 2024 ASEAN Future Forum hosted by Vietnam, with the theme "Building a fast-growing, sustainable, and people-centered ASEAN Community", is a clear demonstration of Vietnam's role and contribution to the common work of the region and the world.
On the first days of August, remembering the late General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng - a leader who left many precious legacies for the country's foreign affairs, Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn quoted the General's words about ASEAN: "Vietnam always considers ASEAN as a common home, prioritizes relations with member countries, and harmoniously links the interests of Vietnam with the interests of the region".
