Vietnam is ready to contribute more and be more proactive in common work in ASEAN.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh led a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related Summits in Vientiane, Laos, on October 8, at the invitation of Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, ASEAN Chair 2024 Sonexay Siphandone.

Ceremony to welcome Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Vientiane (Laos), starting his trip to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits - Photo: Duong Giang/VNA

With the theme “ASEAN: Promoting Connectivity and Resilience”, the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related Summits are the most important series of high-level activities of ASEAN in the year, with the participation of Leaders of ASEAN countries, Timor-Leste and 10 ASEAN partners, along with many representatives of international and regional organizations. The content of the Summit focuses on strategic issues of ASEAN and the region, promoting dialogue, extensive cooperation, close connection, taking advantage of opportunities, overcoming challenges, and bringing ASEAN to more sustainable development in the coming time.

The year 2024 marks a turning point for ASEAN, completing the 2025 Master Plans and preparing for a new development phase until 2045. Faced with the rapid, strong, and far-reaching movements of the times, ASEAN's new development strategies are expected to elevate cooperation and connectivity in the region towards innovation, creativity, and action. With the mindset that Vietnam is ready to contribute and make every effort for the common success, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet shared: Attending the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh conveyed important messages and contributions from Vietnam to orient ASEAN cooperation, shape the future of ASEAN, and position ASEAN in the overall regional security structure as well as on a global scale, enhancing the self-reliance of nations, communities, and individuals is also of particular importance.

Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet answers questions from the press before Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's working trip to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related Summits - Photo: Quang Hoa

After nearly three decades of participating in ASEAN, Vietnam continues to participate in ASEAN in the spirit of being ready to contribute more and be more proactive in the common work. Vietnam has closely coordinated, supported and assisted the Lao Chairman to successfully assume his important responsibilities, contributing to fostering the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries in the spirit of proactive implementation, substantive participation and sincere contribution. In particular, Vietnam effectively implemented the key points and priorities proposed by the Lao Chairman.

Positively assessing Vietnam's role and contribution in Laos's ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2024, Mr. Bovonethat Douangchak, Ambassador, Head of the Lao Permanent Mission to ASEAN, and Chairman of the ASEAN Permanent Representative Committee 2024, affirmed: Right from the beginning of preparations for Laos' ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2024, the two sides exchanged views and lessons learned related to the priorities and possible results of the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2024. Laos and Vietnam simultaneously coordinated with other ASEAN countries to implement activities and programs under the 9 priorities of this year's ASEAN Chairmanship theme, aiming to promote the building of the ASEAN Community in general. It is important that Laos and Vietnam aim to achieve the common goals of ASEAN, especially focusing on implementing the ASEAN Vision to 2025.

Together with other countries, strengthening ASEAN solidarity and unity in the current context of rapid and complex changes, affirming ASEAN's stature in the region and the world , moving towards a more connected and self-reliant ASEAN Community..., has always been Vietnam's effort and motto at this Conference, as well as in ASEAN cooperation in general./.

Cong Dao