Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN: Vietnam will play a key role in shaping the region's future

Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko believes that as ASEAN enters a new chapter in development, Vietnam's proactive, balanced and visionary diplomacy will play a key role in shaping the region's future.

ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Meeting within the framework of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM 58), on July 10 in Malaysia. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Could you please share your assessment of Vietnam's role in strengthening relations between ASEAN and its partners, including Japan?

As ASEAN enters a new phase of regional integration and international cooperation expansion under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, Vietnam plays an important role in promoting ASEAN's development goals and strengthening partnerships to ensure peace , stability and sustainable development in the region.

Vietnam's leading role not only contributes to strengthening intra-bloc solidarity but also amplifies ASEAN's voice in the broader context of the Indo- Pacific region.

Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko. (Photo: Tuan Anh)

Vietnam has also made positive contributions to promoting ASEAN-Japan cooperation, especially in understanding and supporting Japan's "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) initiative, focusing on promoting a rules-based order and respect for international law, core principles similar to the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

Vietnam has played an important role as a bridge between Japan and ASEAN, contributing to promoting resonance in cooperation.

As the Chair of ASEAN 2020, Vietnam adopted the Joint Statement at the 23rd ASEAN-Japan Summit on Cooperation under the AOIP framework. Japan highly appreciated Vietnam's contribution when assuming the role of coordinator of ASEAN-Japan relations at that time.

In addition, the strong bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Japan also creates a solid foundation for promoting ASEAN-Japan cooperation on a broader scale. On April 28 this year, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru held talks with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, reaffirming their determination to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World” as Vietnam prepares to enter a “new era” as General Secretary To Lam has proposed.

How does the Ambassador assess the opportunities and challenges for ASEAN in the new development stage, as well as Vietnam's role in ASEAN's new journey?

ASEAN is at a critical turning point. The region is benefiting from a large young population, a strong digital transformation, growing intra-ASEAN trade, and growing connectivity with global markets.

However, ASEAN is also facing many multidimensional challenges that could weaken the region's cohesion and long-term development related to security, economy, climate change, etc.

In this turbulent context, Vietnam’s contribution becomes even more important. As one of the fastest growing economies in ASEAN, Vietnam has effectively balanced economic development and social security. Vietnam’s achievements and development strategies are not only valuable lessons but also a driving force for transformation in the region.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son received Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi on the sidelines of the 58th AMM on July 10. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Vietnam's active participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asia Summit (EAS) and other regional cooperation frameworks such as the Mekong-Japan Cooperation, has demonstrated Vietnam's strong commitment to a rules-based and free regional order.

The initiation of the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) is further evidence of Vietnam’s pioneering role in multilateral cooperation. Such contributions demonstrate Vietnam’s pivotal role in leading ASEAN through complex geopolitical challenges.

What are your expectations for ASEAN's development in the next period and how do you evaluate Vietnam's contributions to promoting the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?

ASEAN aims to become a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centered community by 2045, emerging as the growth hub of the Indo-Pacific region.

The development strategy under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 emphasizes strengthening political-security cooperation, building an integrated and sustainable economy, a vibrant, inclusive and connected regional socio-cultural space, etc. The focus of this vision is to enhance institutional effectiveness, promote regional peace and stability, accelerate digital transformation, as well as promote the blue economy and marine economy.

Vietnam is well-positioned to contribute to this transformation. It has demonstrated strong leadership in promoting sustainable and inclusive development. It can take the lead in advancing ASEAN’s climate agenda, building resilience in coastal and rural communities, and promoting gender equality and youth empowerment. Vietnam’s focus on digital governance and green growth can steer ASEAN towards more sustainable development.

Within the framework of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vietnam plays a key role in ensuring that this partnership brings about practical benefits rather than just symbolism. As a long-standing Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, Japan continues to make meaningful contributions to ASEAN’s development through cooperation in strategic areas such as maritime security, connectivity, digital transformation, sustainable development and investment in human resources.

As ASEAN enters a new chapter in its development, Vietnam’s proactive, balanced and visionary diplomacy will play a key role in shaping the region’s future. Whether it is strengthening external relations such as with Japan, addressing regional challenges or promoting a resilient and inclusive development model, Vietnam’s leadership will continue to be a key factor in ASEAN’s success.

Vietnam is not only a bridge but also a catalyst for innovation, sustainable development and shared prosperity. Vietnam’s contributions are essential for a secure and prosperous future for the entire Indo-Pacific region.

Thank you very much, Ambassador!

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dai-su-nhat-ban-tai-asean-viet-nam-se-dong-vai-tro-then-chot-trong-dinh-hinh-tuong-lai-khu-vuc-322504.html