Vietnam joins ASEAN to tackle shared regional challenges
VOV.VN - Vietnam continues its active role within ASEAN, working closely with member states to address shared challenges and promote regional stability and cooperation.
The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations held a meeting on August 25 to mark the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (August 8, 1967- August 8, 2025) and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to the regional bloc (July 28, 1995-July 28, 2025).
The event highlighted the spirit of solidarity and friendship between the people of Ho Chi Minh City and those of ASEAN member countries.
Congratulating ASEAN on its formation and development, Phan Thi Hong Xuan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam–ASEAN Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized that although Vietnam joined later, it has participated actively and responsibly since 1995. The country has helped integrate Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia into the ASEAN community and enhanced the organization’s prestige on the global political stage.
Over the past three decades, Vietnam has consistently stood with other ASEAN member states to deal with common challenges, ranging from traditional and non-traditional security, climate change, and disease prevention to cultural, socio-economic, educational, and environmental issues. In 2020, during its tenure as ASEAN Chair, Vietnam initiated numerous measures to help the region respond to COVID-19, maintain peace and stability, restore economies, promote gender equality, and accelerate digital transformation.
Phan Thi Hong Xuan described the anniversary as an opportunity for ASEAN to review their development journey, recognize achievements, continue leveraging strengths, and contribute practically to national stability and development, thereby building a resilient ASEAN with a significant voice on the international stage. These historical values and accomplishments provide confidence that, with solidarity and cooperation, ASEAN will continue to expand its influence and contribute to peace and sustainable development in the region and globally.
On behalf of the leadership of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations, Phan Thi Hong Xuan thanked the Consuls General of ASEAN countries in Ho Chi Minh City for their close collaboration in people-to-people diplomacy. Their efforts have promoted the development of the ASEAN Community, while strengthening the city’s and Vietnam’s active and responsible role in the region.
Representing the Consuls General, Firdauz Othman, Malaysian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, reflected on ASEAN’s 58-year journey as a testament to the power of diplomacy, mutual respect, and shared aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous Southeast Asia. From its early focus on economic cooperation, ASEAN has expanded into social and cultural initiatives, thus creating a united community of nations.
Firdauz Othman added that over the past three decades, Vietnam has been a model of outstanding leadership, driving development, building consensus, and spearheading a more united and sustainable ASEAN.
Vietnam’s 30-year journey in ASEAN, from shared aspirations to trusted member
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has penned an article titled “A 30-year journey: From shared aspirations to a trusted and responsible member” on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN (July 28, 1995 – 2025) and bloc's 58th founding anniversary.
