VN vows to join hands in identifying future directions for ASEAN

From left to right: Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung, Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, and Minister of Finance Dinh Tien Dung at the launching ceremony of Viet Nam's 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship in Ha Noi on January 6, 2020. Photo: VGP

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the above statement at the launching ceremony of Viet Nam’s 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship in Ha Noi o Monday.

The Government chief said peace, stability, solidarity, unity, prosperity and sustainability shall remain the purpose, the identity and the overarching goal of the ASEAN Community.

These values pave the way for ASEAN to forge for itself a new image, new standing and new role in the spirit of making active and responsible contributions to dialogue and cooperation at the global level, Phuc stressed.

He called on the ASEAN Community to foster seamless connectivity and deepen integration within and beyond the region, on the basis of innovation, stability and the growing influence of the 4^th Industrial Revolution upon the social and economic life of the entire community.

The ASEAN Community needs to serve as a model of circular economy, endowed with new vigor, said PM Phuc.

He wished that ASEAN Community shall become more resilient through effective climate change adaptation and response, and better management of natural disasters, pollution and plastic waste.

It shall become a liveable place, with a burgeoning network of smart cities and strong social welfare, he added.

To realize these aspirations and foster our future together, PM Phuc expressed his belief that each member and every citizen needs to make every effort to contribute to the common works of ASEAN, from the smallest of acts.

He affirmed Viet Nam has made active preparations for the ASEAN 2020 Chairmanship and stands ready to bolster the growth of the ASEAN Community with fellow members.

He called on all ASEAN members to join hands in supporting and building the ASEAN Community of solidarity, resilience and prosperity.

The theme of ASEAN 2020 is “Cohesive and Responsive”, which is supported by the five priorities for 2020, identified with a view to meet the long-term goals of ASEAN.

The top priorities include: (i) to actively contribute to a regional environment of peace, security and stability; (ii) to bring prosperity through regional integration and connectivity, heighten ASEAN’s adaptability to the 4^th Industrial Revolution to grasp opportunities; (iii) to raise the awareness of ASEAN Community and Identity; (iv) to strengthen partnerships for peace and sustainable development, and promote the role and contribution of ASEAN in the international community; and (v) enhance the capacity and operational efficiency of ASEAN.

PM Phuc affirmed Viet Nam will make every effort to collaborate with fellow members to successfully accomplish the priorities of ASEAN 2020 as this shall serve as the country’s contribution towards a brighter future for ASEAN./.

By Huong Giang