Celebrating 30 years of Vietnam joining ASEAN: Marking the journey of integration, striving for peace, stability and development

On the evening of July 28, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a reception to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Vietnam becoming an ASEAN member and the 58th anniversary of ASEAN's founding. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son chaired the party with the participation of many ambassadors, heads of representative agencies of countries and international organizations in Vietnam and leaders of departments, ministries, branches and localities.

Taking place in a solemn and cozy atmosphere, the Reception was an opportunity to look back on Vietnam’s three-decade journey of deep integration and active contributions to the common ASEAN home. This was also a word of gratitude to ASEAN member countries, partners and international friends who have always accompanied, supported and assisted Vietnam in the process of joining ASEAN in particular and regional and international integration in general.

 

Ambassadors of countries in Vietnam attend the 30th anniversary of Vietnam joining ASEAN.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son affirmed the historical significance of Vietnam's decision to join ASEAN in 1995. Both ASEAN and Vietnam share the same aspiration to build a peaceful , stable and developed Southeast Asia. Vietnam has come to ASEAN with a spirit of openness, responsibility, and most importantly, a commitment to long-term attachment.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son shared that for Vietnam, ASEAN is not just a regional cooperation framework. ASEAN is the first and most important door that opens the journey of regional integration and national development. It is within the ASEAN family that Vietnam has truly found trust and strong attachment. Vietnam is proud to participate in and contribute to important milestones of ASEAN, from the realization of ASEAN-10, the signing of the ASEAN Charter, the establishment of the ASEAN Community and most recently through the document “ASEAN 2045: Our Common Future”. Throughout this journey, Vietnam has stood shoulder to shoulder with ASEAN member countries, partners and international friends to nurture solidarity, overcome challenges and join hands to build a united, resilient and future-oriented ASEAN.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son speaks.

Looking back at ASEAN's achievements over the past 60 years, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son emphasized that ASEAN has transformed into a cohesive community of 10 countries, and soon to be 11 countries, sharing common goals, visions and values. In the face of profound changes in the times, countries need to continue to join hands to promote the values of dialogue, cooperation, multilateralism, the rule of law, and especially to maintain an environment of peace, security and stability, a prerequisite for ensuring sustainable growth and the common success of the ASEAN Community. Accordingly, Vietnam welcomes the general agreement just reached between Cambodia and Thailand on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, an important first step to de-escalation and restoration of peace.

In the next steps, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son affirmed Vietnam's strong commitment to supporting and making practical contributions to the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, strengthening ASEAN's solidarity, centrality and strategic autonomy. Vietnam will continue to give high priority to the fields of innovation, green transformation, digital transformation, sustainable and inclusive development. The ASEAN Future Forum hosted by Vietnam will be a space for inclusive and open dialogue, contributing to efforts to build the ASEAN Community.

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son expressed his deep gratitude to generations of leaders and officials who have devoted themselves, laid a solid foundation, and continued to inspire and guide Vietnam's efforts to participate and contribute to ASEAN.

On behalf of the member countries, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair 2025, Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato' Tan Yang Thai sent warm congratulations to Vietnam. The Ambassador especially emphasized that the historic visit of General Secretary To Lam to the ASEAN Secretariat in March 2025 is of great significance at the time of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's participation in ASEAN.

Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato' Tan Yang Thai speaks.

The Ambassador shared that Vietnam's accession to ASEAN in 1995 initiated the process of ASEAN expansion, completing ASEAN-10 in 1999. Over the past three decades, Vietnam has affirmed itself as a proactive, responsible and constructive member, making important contributions to deepening economic integration, nurturing peace, stability and promoting a rules-based regional order. Vietnam has always steadfastly supported ASEAN's central role, ensuring an open and inclusive common voice. Vietnam has promoted its leading role, especially at key moments such as when assuming the role of ASEAN Chair 2020, maintaining the momentum of regional cooperation, promoting economic recovery, self-reliance in the supply chain, and realizing strategic initiatives such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai also highly appreciated the ASEAN Future Forum initiative initiated by Vietnam as a vivid demonstration of Vietnam's strategic thinking and vision. The forum is not only a place to gather ideas, but also conveys the message that ASEAN proactively shapes the future, is ready to adapt to all changes of the times, and puts the interests of the people at the center.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son with delegates.

The 30-year journey of participating in ASEAN cooperation is a clear demonstration of Vietnam’s correct and strategic choice. ASEAN has always been a strategic priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, diversification and international integration. Looking to the future, Vietnam will continue to promote a proactive, positive and responsible spirit, making every effort for ASEAN’s success for a peaceful, stable and sustainably developed Southeast Asia.

News and photos: VNA

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/chinh-tri/tin-tuc/ky-niem-30-nam-viet-nam-tham-gia-asean-ghi-dau-chang-duong-hoi-nhap-phan-dau-vi-hoa-binh-on-dinh-va-phat-trien-839065