In his keynote speech, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said after more than four decades of existence and development, ASEAN has become a closely integrated political and economic entity -- an important player in the region and an indispensable partner of major countries and organisations in the world. The association has entered a new stage of development, steadily moving towards the realisation of the ASEAN Community by 2015 and operating on a legal foundation as provided for by the ASEAN Charter.

Mr Dung noted that the year 2010 is of great significance to ASEAN as it offers intertwining opportunities and challenges.

“While we are optimistic about the recovery of the regional and global economies, particularly the encouraging recovery of the ASEAN economies, a full recovery and sustainable development would require more time and unceasing efforts, especially appropriate directions and sound solutions. At the same time, global challenges, particularly climate change, natural disasters and pandemics continue to exert increasingly adverse impact on ASEAN, calling for our stronger efforts and effective response at national, regional and international levels.”

He went on to say that the fast-changing and complicated situation in the world, especially the adjustment of policies and relations amongst the major powers, certainly have implications for the regional environment. Yet, they also present new opportunities for ASEAN to promote its important role in ensuring peace, security, cooperation and development in the region.

“Against such a background, I believe ASEAN must not only strengthen its unity and cooperation, but also overcome its own limitations, so as to realise the goal of building an ASEAN Community and maintaining the association’s centrality.”

Mr Dung pointed out that the most important thing for all ASEAN member countries now is to join hands in action, undertake concrete steps and measures to accomplish the set goals and plans, as the bloc will have five more years to go to build a united community.

“The overall theme for the year 2010 - ‘Towards the ASEAN Community: from Vision to Action’ - underlines ASEAN’s focus and strong sense of action for this year and beyond,” said Mr Dung.

He said an important task of the summit is to set forth the directions and appropriate solutions to accelerate ASEAN integration and enhance its strength in effectively addressing regional issues as well as global challenges.

To fulfil the task, he proposed that ASEAN leaders seek to bring to life the ASEAN Charter and Roadmap for ASEAN Community, accelerate economic integration and work out a suitable model for sustainable economic development. Priority will be given to enhancing East Asian economic and financial cooperation, wherein ASEAN plays a central role.

He asked ASEAN leaders to set the direction for the development of a Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity to foster closer linkages on infrastructure, transport and information technology, especially in the Mekong Sub-region. 

“In addition to efforts towards an early and strong recovery, ASEAN should also identify a suitable model to ensure a balanced and sustained development, incorporating economic growth with social development and environmental protection. In this spirit, I propose we consider and adopt a joint statement on recovery and sustained development, to show ASEAN’s commitment and plan of action.”

He called on ASEAN countries to pay due attention to addressing trans-national issues such as climate change, environmental degradation, natural disasters and pandemics which pose a permanent and direct threat to the livelihood of the people as well as sustainable development of each country.

“While effective global solutions are yet to be found within the existing international frameworks and mechanisms, ASEAN should make greater efforts at both national and regional levels to respond to these challenges, and contribute actively to the common endeavour of the international community. With that in mind, we shall consider and adopt a statement on our joint response to climate change, underlining ASEAN’s resolve to intensify cooperation and sending out ASEAN’s strong message on the international negotiation process for an effective climate change regime.”

Mr Dung acknowledged that ASEAN member countries share a strong desire and determination to promote peace, security and cooperation for mutual development. This has created a source of strength and encouragement to ASEAN to make outstanding achievements over the past four decades. Therefore, he said ASEAN should maintain its important role in promoting dialogue and cooperation for the sake of peace and stability in Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific at large.

He also said that the association should further consolidate external relations to mobilise support for ASEAN Community building and enhance its international role and position. Accordingly, it is necessary to strengthen ASEAN+1 cooperation, through enhanced dialogues at all levels, especially at the Leaders’ and Ministers’ levels, and with added substance and efficiency in the implementation of Plans of Action and Joint Statements on comprehensive partnership.

“We should also promote cooperation through ASEAN-driven frameworks such as ASEAN+3, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). At the same time, we should also take proactive measures to ensure ASEAN’s central role in an evolving regional architecture.”

The PM confirmed that Vietnam is an inseparable part of the ASEAN family and continues to participate in ASEAN cooperation in a proactive and responsible manner to contribute to building a stronger and more closely integrated ASEAN.

“During our Chairmanship in 2010, we will do our utmost and collaborate with other members to achieve concrete results in building the ASEAN Community and properly addressing emerging issues,” said Mr Dung.

Shortly after the opening ceremony, ASEAN leaders held a plenary session.