Vietnam to promote ASEAN unity during ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020
Vietnam wants ASEAN to unite in all aspects, from institutions to economy and human resources, which is very important for ASEAN to uphold its central role, said Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam Nguyen Quoc Dung.
Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam Nguyen Quoc Dung (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamwants ASEAN to unite in all aspects, from institutions to economy and humanresources, which is very important for ASEAN to uphold its central role, said DeputyForeign Minister and Head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam Nguyen Quoc Dung.
The diplomat recently granted aninterview to the press on the country’s role and position in 2020, when Vietnamwill serve the double roles of Chair of ASEAN and non-permanent member of the UNSecurity Council, which is both an honour and a heavy task.
According to Deputy FM Dung, thetheme of Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020 is “Cohesive and Responsive,”which reflects Vietnam’s wish to have an ASEAN standing firmly against impactsof regional and international situations.
When uniting, ASEAN will share acommon stance and interests, and respond in a consistent manner to regional andglobal issues, Dung said.
Asked about preparations for Vietnam’sASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020, the Deputy FM said Vietnam will promote fivepriorities, first of all bringing into play ASEAN’s role and positivecontribution in maintaining a peaceful, security and stable environment in theregion.
The second priority is enhancing linkages andconnectivity in the region, as well as adaptability to the Fourth IndustrialRevolution; and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in economics,finance and society based on innovation and the application of digital and newtechnologies.
The third priority is to promotethe sense of community and ASEAN characteristics, create common values of ASEANand popularize those values among ASEAN people, thus raising awareness of theASEAN Community and the image of the community in the region and the world.
Fourthly, strengtheningpartnership relations for peace and sustainable development with countries, andincreasing ASEAN’s role and contribution in the international community.
The fifth priority is toimproving ASEAN apparatus’s adaptability and operation efficiency.
Deputy FM Dung noted thatassuming two roles at the same time means more tasks but thereare also some advantages. He pointed out that as ASEAN Chair, Vietnam can work for ASEAN consensus, thusadding more weight to its voice in the UN Security. Meanwhile, UN programmesand plans will be better implemented by ASEAN, and the bloc’s plans will bemore aligned with the UN’s.
He added that as the situationnow is very different from when Vietnam chaired the ASEAN for the first time in2010, the country will face both new difficulties as well as have newadvantages in the task./.
Vietnam has been ready with organizational apparatus, personnel and projects and overall action plan for ASEAN Year 2020, said deputy spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry Ngo Toan Thang at a regular press conference in Hanoi on November 7.
Vietnam has chosen “Cohesive and Responsive” as the theme of the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020, given the complicated developments in the region and the world that pose many challenges to multilateralism and free trade as well as the increasing non-traditional security threats.
2020 will be the significant year for ASEAN and Vietnam as the bloc will conduct mid-term review of the implementation of the Master Plan on building ASEAN Community by 2025.
The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) held a conference in Hanoi on December 2 to popularise and prepare for the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020.
Social affairs will be an important issue of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as its socio-cultural community in 2020 when Vietnam serves as Chair of the ASEAN, a Vietnamese official has said.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam Nguyen Quoc Dung (Photo: VNA) 
