30 years of Vietnam joining ASEAN: Affirming the role of connecting and promoting regional cooperation

Sharing with VNA reporters in Jakarta, Ambassador of the Indonesian Delegation to ASEAN, Derry Aman, assessed that after three decades of accompanying ASEAN, Vietnam has increasingly affirmed its role as a factor connecting and promoting regional cooperation.

Ambassador Derry Aman. Photo: ASEAN

According to Ambassador Derry Aman, Vietnam has emerged as an active and constructive member of ASEAN. Since joining the organization in 1995, Vietnam has consistently demonstrated its strong commitment to ASEAN’s core principles of solidarity, consensus and regional resilience. Vietnam’s leadership role has been particularly evident during its tenure as ASEAN Chair, which has been marked by professionalism and a forward-looking agenda. Vietnam’s leadership role during its tenure as ASEAN Chair – especially in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented global challenges – has been widely recognised for its effectiveness and focus on maintaining regional cooperation despite the pandemic. Vietnam’s contributions to ASEAN Community building, economic integration and proactive diplomacy at regional and global forums have been highly appreciated by member states.

Ambassador Derry Aman affirmed that Vietnam also plays a key role in the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI), aiming to narrow the development gap among ASEAN member states. Vietnam's initiative to establish the ASEAN Future Forum in 2024 is very timely - a strategy to help shape the future of ASEAN and contribute to realizing the shared vision of a more resilient, united and forward-looking ASEAN.

According to him, Vietnam has played an important role in promoting the building of the ASEAN Community on all three pillars: Political -Security, Economic and Cultural-Society. Vietnam's active participation in regional dialogue mechanisms, its constructive approach to sensitive regional issues and its growing economic integration with ASEAN member states have contributed to enhancing ASEAN's collective capacity and resilience. In Indonesia's view, Vietnam is a valuable partner in shaping a more cohesive, proactive and people-oriented ASEAN.

Referring to the cooperation between Indonesia and Vietnam within the framework of ASEAN over the past 30 years, Ambassador Derry Aman said that the two countries share a common vision for a peaceful , stable and inclusive Southeast Asia. Both countries strongly support ASEAN centrality, regional cooperation and the importance of a rules-based international order. Over the years, Indonesia and Vietnam have worked closely on key ASEAN priorities, including maritime cooperation, economic integration, sustainable development and climate action.

He stressed the two countries’ commitment to maintaining ASEAN unity, especially in the context of increasing geopolitical tensions. In the South China Sea, Indonesia and Vietnam have consistently supported dialogue, adherence to international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes. This common stance reflects a broader commitment to regional stability and diplomacy. Specifically, both Indonesia and Vietnam support the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), particularly in relation to the South China Sea.

Ambassador Derry Aman emphasized that the partnership between Indonesia and Vietnam has expanded beyond the bilateral scope, towards regional and global cooperation.

He recalled that the visit of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam to Indonesia in March 2025 further affirmed the strength of this relationship. The visit sparked a new commitment to elevate the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, reflecting the desire of both countries to build a more cohesive, resilient and future-oriented partnership.

Also in the interview, Ambassador Derry Aman assessed that Indonesia and Vietnam have great potential to enhance cooperation in a number of strategic areas such as renewable energy, digital transformation, digital connectivity, food security and agriculture, sustainable ocean economy, maritime security and high-tech industries. These areas play a key role in the joint efforts of both countries to achieve the common vision of becoming high-income economies by 2045.

According to him, the two countries also have potential to cooperate in research, innovation and industrial development. The establishment of Samsung’s largest research and development (R&D) center in Southeast Asia, located in Vietnam, positions Vietnam as a key player in the region’s official development assistance (FDI) landscape. This development further opens the door for cooperation between government, industry and research institutes, allowing Vietnam to build stronger industrial capacity and compete more effectively in global supply chains.

At the regional level, Indonesia and Vietnam can jointly contribute to enhancing ASEAN’s capacity to address emerging challenges such as the digital economy, digital transformation and green economy. Indonesia also looks forward to Vietnam continuing its active role in ASEAN, especially in supporting the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

With its dynamic economy, diplomatic experience and strong commitment to multilateralism, Ambassador Derry Aman said that Vietnam is well-positioned to play an active role in shaping the future of ASEAN in the coming decades. By harnessing these shared priorities and comparative advantages, Indonesia and Vietnam can become key drivers for a resilient, innovative and future-ready ASEAN.

On behalf of the Government and people of Indonesia, Ambassador Derry Aman extended his warmest congratulations to the Government and people of Vietnam on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to ASEAN. He stressed that Vietnam's journey in ASEAN is a remarkable testament to its resilience, vision and steadfast dedication to regional peace and prosperity. As Indonesia and Vietnam continue to deepen their partnership in ASEAN, Indonesia looks forward to further strengthening cooperation for the benefit of the people of both countries and for a more peaceful and prosperous Southeast Asia. He expressed that Indonesia is proud to stand side by side with Vietnam as an ASEAN partner, joining hands for the common good of the region. He hoped that the friendship between the two countries and the ASEAN family will continue to grow strongly in the coming decades.

Rhododendron (Vietnam News Agency)

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/30-nam-viet-nam-gia-nhap-asean-khang-dinh-vai-tro-gan-ket-va-thuc-day-hop-tac-khu-vuc-20250728114953978.htm