HCM City holds ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony marking 30 years of Vietnam’s membership
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony on the occasion of the founding anniversary of ASEAN on August 8. (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – An ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony was held in Ho Chi Minh City on August 8 to mark the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary ꦛ(August 8, 1967 – 2025) and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In his remarks, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
With the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” 2025 marks the conclusion of a decade of ASEAN Community building and the start of a new chapter towards the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, aiming for a more resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred regional community.
Cuong noted that over the past 30 years, Vietnam has moved from being an isolated country under embargo to deeply integrating into ASEAN, effectively leveraging regional cooperation mechanisms to spur socio-economic development, improve people’s living standards, and steadily affirm its international standing as a member of the ASEAN family.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)
He said HCM City is proud to be among the nation’s most proactive localities in fostering cooperation with ASEAN countries, serving as an important bridge between Vietnam and the region. The city has established friendly and cooperative ties with 12 localities in ASEAN member states, creating practical frameworks that contribute to socio-economic growth and strengthen ASEAN cohesion.
“Looking ahead to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, HCM City is committed to joining the whole nation in contributing to the building of a more united, resilient, proactive, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN common home,” Cuong affirmed.
On behalf of consular missions of ASEAN nations in HCM City, Malaysian Consul General Firdauz Bin Othman expressed his pleasure at attending the ceremony, describing it as an occasion to reflect on the bloc’s meaningful journey and to look forward to the future with confidence and determination to innovate.
The diplomat said ASEAN has evolved into a strong and indispensable regional bloc, expanding from initial economic and political cooperation to encompass social, cultural, and security fields, thereby forming a cohesive and comprehensive community.
He commended Vietnam’s exemplary role over the past three decades, noting its smooth integration, proactive engagement, and significant contributions to ASEAN’s development, stability, and shared success. Vietnam’s energy, innovation spirit, and strong commitment to regional cooperation have been a source of strength for the bloc, benefiting all members, the Consul General added./.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has called on member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to implement structural economic reforms to enhance resilience in the face of global challenges and geopolitical shifts.
Boasting a population of more than 100 million, the third-largest in ASEAN after Indonesia and the Philippines, and impressive economic growth, Vietnam has become an important contributor to regional GDP and demonstrated an important role in maintaining regional peace, stability, and sustainable development, said ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.
Party General Secretary To Lam called on the criminal police force to accelerate the application of science, technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in criminal investigation tasks such as crime prevention, detection, tracking and verification, ensuring that no area remains out of their reach.
Many Koreans living, studying, and working in Hanoi see the upcoming state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) by Party General Secretary To Lam as an opportunity to generate strong synergy in economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural understanding.
The achievements of the five decades of Vietnam–Angola cooperation provide a strong and enduring foundation, as well as momentum for the two sides to consolidate, expand, and bring their partnership into a new phase of development.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
Emphasising the need for sustainable, long-term collaboration, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on Japanese investors not only to bring in capital but also to share expertise and modern technology, especially in areas such as green transformation, the circular economy, and advanced corporate governance.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
Over the past five decades, the Vietnam - Angola relationship has grown steadily, marked by political trust and close bonds between their Parties, States, Governments, and peoples, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
President Luong Cuong called on the two countries to join hands to promote South – South cooperation, contribute to building a fair and equal global political and economic order, safeguard independence and sovereignty, and promote extensive and substantive international solidarity and cooperation.
President Luong Cuong called on the community to remain united, integrate well into local society, adhere to local laws, and continue contributing to both Angola’s development and Vietnam – Angola relations.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of Angola Carolina Cerqueira agreed to continue strengthening political trust, boost high-level delegation exchanges via all channels, including the parliamentary one, and create favourable legal conditions for bilateral cooperation.
Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço met with the press right after concluding their talks and witnessing the signing of seven cooperation agreements between the two countries in Luanda on August 7.
State President Luong Cuong stressed the fraternal ties between Vietnam and Angola as a shared invaluable asset. It serves as a solid foundation for both countries to enter a new phase of development, further foster political trust and mutual support between the two Parties and States, and deepen the solidarity and mutual understanding between their people.
