Vietnam performs better than expected as ASEAN Chair: expert
Vietnam has been serving as Chair of ASEAN in a difficult time, but it has shown better-than-expected performance in leading the bloc during a context full of challenges like at present, according to Dr Balaz Szantos at the Chulalongkorn University of Thailand.
Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong addresses the opening ceremony of the 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Hanoi on November 12 (Photo: VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) – Vietnam has been serving asChair of ASEAN in a difficult time, but it has shown better-than-expectedperformance in leading the bloc during a context full of challenges like atpresent, according to Dr Balaz Szantos at the Chulalongkorn University ofThailand.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on theoccasion of the 37th ASEAN Summit and related events held online from November12 to 15, he said 2020 is a year full of challenges to the leadership of ASEAN,in seeking interest similarities and priorities for the bloc.
However, Vietnam has performed better thanexpected in leading ASEAN amid this challenging context, he noted, adding thatit has worked to lead other member states to escape from the COVID-19 pandemicon the basis of similar interests and cooperation.
The region has become more cohesive, andVietnam’s efforts to lead the region through this difficult year, maintainASEAN’s solidarity and unity, and keep the bloc outside of the competitionamong external entities are evidence of the country’s endeavour in its ASEANChairmanship, the expert in political science went on.
Szantos said despite COVID-19, ASEAN has stillmanaged to carry out annual political activities. Vietnam has emphasised theneed for the bloc’s solidarity and joint actions to overcome current challengeswhile not advocating barriers, which is a relatively encouraging sign of thefuture of ASEAN as an important regional organisation./.
Modern Diplomacy, an invaluable platform for assessing and evaluating complex international issues, on November 10 ran an article giving an assessment of Vietnam’s performance as ASEAN 2020 Chair and the significance of the 37th ASEAN Summit for the region amid current challenges.
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Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong addresses the opening ceremony of the 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Hanoi on November 12 (Photo: VNA) 
