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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim before their talks on May 25 on the occasion of their official visit to Malaysia, attending the 46th ASEAN Summit and related summits. (Photo: Nhat Bac) |
This year marks an important milestone: the 30th anniversary of Vietnam joining ASEAN, and the 58th anniversary since ASEAN was established. This is an opportunity for us to look back on the journey of a community and orient the future in the context of intertwined and constantly changing challenges and opportunities.
The global geopolitical landscape is at a turning point. We have witnessed a decade of upheaval, from economic shocks to intensifying strategic competition, that has exposed the fragility of the current international order and the limits of the institutions that underpin it. These fractures, whether rooted in ideology, history or security competition, are having a profound impact on our region, threatening peace , prosperity and the lives of our people.
In these uncertain times, ASEAN must remain a beacon of stability and hope. We must continue to build a sustainable, harmonious and economically dynamic region that demonstrates strength through unity in diversity. ASEAN centrality, which is our most valuable asset, is not a privilege but a responsibility, which we must constantly strengthen through solidarity, mutual trust and a sense of shared mission. ASEAN’s standing depends on our ability to act collectively, overcome our differences and promote the common vision that binds us together.
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet take a selfie at the ASEAN Future Forum High-Level Discussion in February 2025. (Photo: Hoang Hai) |
As this year’s ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is deeply aware of the responsibilities and expectations that come with this role. A key milestone of our Chairmanship is the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on “ASEAN 2045: Our Common Future”. This Declaration reflects our shared aspiration for an increasingly united, innovative and resilient ASEAN Community – built on the foundation of sustainable development, inclusiveness and the rule of law.
Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, has focused on deepening economic integration and prioritising areas such as digital transformation, green growth and people-centred development. These focuses reflect our view that ASEAN economic success requires not only dynamism but also equity and sustainability. Development gaps within the region remain large: in some cases, the per capita GDP of one member state is more than thirty times that of another. This is a structural challenge that we need to address together.
Malaysia’s approach to regional prosperity is to raise both the “base” and “ceiling” of economic development. We must strengthen the resilience of our supply chains to external shocks and adapt to global fluctuations. As developed markets increasingly demand higher standards in trade and investment, ASEAN needs to improve its capacity to forecast, report and assess the environmental impacts of cross-border goods. Under the MADANI framework, Malaysia is poised to lead the way in green infrastructure development, regenerative agriculture and renewable energy investment to create a more sustainable future for us all.
In this endeavour, the active participation and support of ASEAN member countries, especially long-standing partners like Vietnam, is indispensable. As Malaysia charts the way forward under the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, we look back at the remarkable journey that Vietnam has made over the past three decades as an ASEAN member.
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other leaders signed the Declaration “ASEAN 2045: Our Common Future”. (Source: VGP) |
Since joining ASEAN in 1995, Vietnam has become an indispensable pillar in our common cause. Vietnam has always demonstrated its steadfast commitment to ASEAN’s goals and values, playing an important role in strengthening intra-bloc solidarity, especially in times of global instability and volatility. Whether facing the Asian financial crisis, health emergencies or complex geopolitical contexts, Vietnam has always upheld the principle of consensus and the spirit of self-reliance as the foundation of ASEAN’s success.
Vietnam has also clearly demonstrated its pioneering role in maintaining ASEAN’s centrality through its active participation and effective leadership. Vietnam’s tenure as ASEAN Chair in 2010 and especially in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrated its strong leadership and strategic vision. Under Vietnam’s chairmanship, ASEAN has maintained solidarity, strengthened cooperation with major partners, and maintained an inclusive, outward-looking approach, which is the region’s identity.
Vietnam has also contributed to enhancing ASEAN’s prestige and role in the international arena. From promoting the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) to participating in building important economic integration initiatives such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Vietnam has helped ASEAN become a force for peace, stability and shared prosperity. These efforts demonstrate a deep and enduring commitment to a regional order based on rules, mutual respect, dialogue and cooperation.
Looking ahead, I believe that ASEAN is facing an opportunity to innovate and transform with a shared vision of progress, prosperity and equity. We are no longer a bystander in global affairs, but a dynamic and influential force capable of creating positive changes. Indeed, as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh once said, ASEAN is a region “full of vitality”, and I completely agree with that view.
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Vietnam Electricity and Malaysia Electricity on May 25 on the occasion of their official visit to Malaysia, attending the 46th ASEAN Summit and related summits. (Source: VGP) |
To realise this vision, ASEAN needs to deliver more concrete results to enhance the region’s resilience and sustainable development. In particular, in the context of the complex global energy transition, ASEAN needs to take decisive action to promote regional cooperation in sustainable energy development. The ASEAN Power Grid is a key initiative that has the potential to bring tangible benefits to the people – through enhanced energy security, reduced emissions and economic integration. Increasing cross-border energy connectivity, sharing technical expertise and boosting investment in renewable energy are key steps towards a more sustainable future.
In addition to energy, ASEAN needs to continue to cooperate in priority areas such as digital innovation, food security and climate resilience. With a common goal, member states can implement pilot solutions and mobilize resources for overall impact. By strengthening institutional cooperation, narrowing the development gap and maintaining a rules-based order, we reaffirm ASEAN’s centrality and credibility as a community that works for all.
Celebrating these important milestones is also an opportunity for us to look back on the journey ASEAN has taken, a journey for peace, prosperity and unity. Vietnam’s three decades in ASEAN are a living testament to what can be achieved when nations work together with vision, conviction and commitment. I am full of confidence in the next chapter of our shared journey, where Malaysia and Vietnam will continue to work side by side for the development of the region and the well-being of our people.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bai-viet-doc-quyen-cua-thu-tuong-malaysia-ba-thap-ky-viet-nam-trong-asean-la-minh-chung-cho-tinh-than-doi-ket-va-no-luc-chung-323737.html
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