Expert Thong Mengdavid gives an interview to VNA reporters in Phnom Penh on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to ASEAN (July 28, 1995 - July 28, 2025). Photo: Quang Anh/VNA correspondent in Cambodia

This is the opinion of analysts and senior Southeast Asian diplomats in discussions with VNA reporters.

In an interview with VNA reporters in Phnom Penh on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to ASEAN (July 28, 1995 - July 28, 2025), Master Thong Mengdavid - regional geopolitical and international security analyst, researcher at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy (IISPP), Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), emphasized that over the past 3 decades, since joining this regional organization in 1995, Vietnam has played a constructive role and has become increasingly influential in ASEAN. With that constructive role, over the past 30 years, Vietnam has been a bridge between mainland ASEAN and island ASEAN, promoting sustainable regional connectivity and integration, while demonstrating its strong leadership role as ASEAN Chair.

The researcher and lecturer at RUPP said that during its tenure as ASEAN Chair in 2010, Vietnam focused on narrowing the development gap among member countries by promoting the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community agenda, the ASEAN Integration Initiative Phase II (2009-2015) and Mekong cooperation mechanisms such as Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) cooperation, Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam (CLMV) cooperation, Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation (ACMECS) and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) cooperation... He pointed out that these cooperation mechanisms have promoted and strengthened the regional economy , as well as promoted investment and professional skills training.

From the perspective of a regional geopolitical analyst, expert Thong Mengdavid said that in its role as ASEAN Chair in 2020, Vietnam has led the association to overcome the COVID-19 crisis by initiating important regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Cooperation Fund, establishing the ASEAN Medical Supplies Reserve, etc. He emphasized that the mechanisms implemented according to Vietnam's initiatives and proposals have demonstrated ASEAN's leadership and solidarity in emergency situations.

Analyzing in depth the role and contributions of Vietnam in each specific field, Master Thong Mengdavid said that in terms of security, Vietnam has persistently fought to support peace, stability and order based on rules in the region, especially in the East Sea. Vietnam supports ASEAN's efforts to promote the early completion of the draft Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC) with China, and actively participates in regional defense and diplomatic forums such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+).

In the economic field, Vietnam has contributed to ASEAN’s efforts through ASEAN’s integration into regional trade frameworks such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), thereby making Vietnam a leading export and investment hub in the region.

In addition, Vietnam also plays an active role in promoting sub-regional development through the Mekong Cooperation Initiative, promoting ASEAN's sustainable development goals and infrastructure connectivity; as well as actively supporting people-to-people diplomacy through educational exchange activities, youth forums and cultural diplomacy, contributing to building an increasingly stronger ASEAN identity.

Sharing his views with a Cambodian expert, speaking to a VNA reporter, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN Secretary General, emphasized that Vietnam is a very influential member of ASEAN, with the advantage of abundant human resources with about 100 million people, ranking third in population in ASEAN, after Indonesia and the Philippines.

According to the region’s top diplomat, over the past 30 years, Vietnam has made great contributions to promoting and maintaining peace, stability, and security in ASEAN, enhancing the expansion and development of ASEAN’s prosperity, and consolidating the association’s external relations, especially cooperation with external partners. In addition, Vietnam has also contributed to enhancing ASEAN’s role, not only at the regional level but also globally, as the association seeks to expand its role in the region through ASEAN-led mechanisms. For example, Vietnam’s role in global trade and its contribution to ASEAN’s economic development are extremely important.

From that perspective, the ASEAN Secretary General said that Vietnam is currently an extremely important member country. Vietnam's development, transformation and growth have contributed significantly to ASEAN in all aspects, making Vietnam an important piece in politics, diplomacy, security, economy, culture and society, thereby helping ASEAN become stronger, more self-reliant and more dynamic.

According to baotintuc.vn

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-tri-xa-hoi/theo-dong-thoi-su/30-nam-viet-nam-gia-nhap-asean-khang-dinh-vai-tro-kien-tao-va-ngay-cang-co-tam-anh-huong-trong-khu-vuc-156184.html