Working together to fulfill ASEAN’s historic mission
In his remarks marking the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn emphasized that Vietnam’s joining of the regional bloc in 1995 was a pivotal step toward realizing the vision of ASEAN’s founders: a united Southeast Asia bound by a shared aspiration for peace, prosperity, solidarity, and mutual understanding.

Vietnam’s accession served as a transformative catalyst for the bloc’s regional expansion, paving the way for Laos and Myanmar to join in 1997, followed by Cambodia in 1999, thus bringing the ASEAN-10 vision to life. As a new member, Vietnam has consistently taken the lead in efforts to narrow the development gap within ASEAN.

Speaking on Vietnam’s contributions, Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn stressed that Vietnam’s commitment was clearly reflected in the 2001 Hanoi Declaration on narrowing the development gap for Closer ASEAN integration, which underscored the country’s shared responsibility in bringing Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam into the region’s economic mainstream.

Vietnam’s leadership role in ASEAN has also been evident through its ASEAN Chairmanships in 1998, 2010, and 2020. Each of these terms was marked by notable achievements that helped shape ASEAN’s overall strategic direction.

Vietnam’s leadership role in ASEAN has also been evident through its ASEAN Chairmanships in 1998, 2010, and 2020. Each of these terms recorded notable achievements that played a fundamental role in shaping ASEAN’s direction.

In 1998, Vietnam skillfully steered ASEAN through a challenging period following the Asian financial crisis. In 2010, the country played a key role in strengthening ASEAN connectivity and expanding the East Asia Summit. In 2020, despite unprecedented global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam successfully led ASEAN in advancing regional resilience through effective joint response efforts.

The ASEAN Secretary-General also emphasized that Vietnam has played an active and constructive role in enhancing and enriching ASEAN’s external relations in line with multilateral foreign policy with ASEAN’s overarching strategic vision.

This synergy is clearly demonstrated in Vietnam’s global network of partnerships, including comprehensive strategic partnerships with major powers and key Southeast Asian neighbors—which effectively reinforces ASEAN’s strong ties with its Dialogue Partners.

Vietnam has consistently voiced strong support for ASEAN’s free trade agreements, helping to solidify the region’s position as a key hub in global supply chains.

Pivotal role in shaping the region’s future
Vietnam’s contributions to ASEAN’s growth and development have been widely recognized by fellow member states and international partners alike.

Malaysian Ambassador to ASEAN Sarah Al Bakri Devadason, representing the ASEAN Chair in 2025, stated that over the past three decades, Vietnam has played an indispensable role in ASEAN’s journey, making invaluable contributions to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. The nation has consistently upheld ASEAN’s unity and centrality, helping shape policies that boost regional development.

According to Ambassador Devadason, Vietnam’s leadership was particularly evident during its 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship, a year marked by unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Vietnam’s stewardship, ASEAN remained resilient and united, introducing the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework to navigate the crisis. This, she said, is a testament to Vietnam’s commitment to ASEAN’s prosperity and its capacity to lead in times of hardship.

Vietnam’s hosting of the ASEAN Future Forum is another major contribution, providing a platform for leaders and policymakers to discuss the bloc’s future direction. The forum has offered critical guidance vital to ASEAN’s continued success.

In addition, Vietnam currently serves as Chair of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force in 2025. In this role, the country is leading efforts to narrow development gaps within ASEAN and promote inclusive growth by supporting the integration of CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam) into the ASEAN Community. This underlines Vietnam’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of regional cooperation are equitably shared among all ASEAN member states.

The Ambassador stressed that as ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia values Vietnam’s support, deep insights, and cooperation. Malaysia looks forward to working closely with Vietnam and all ASEAN member states to build a resilient, cohesive, and future-ready ASEAN Community.

Australian Ambassador to ASEAN Tiffany McDonald also noted that, after 30 years in the bloc, Vietnam has made significant contributions to the region’s benefit. The nation’s leadership in initiating and hosting the ASEAN Future Forum shows its indispensable role in shaping the region’s future.

Ambassador Tiffany McDonald particularly highlighted Vietnam’s role as ASEAN Chair in 2020, noting that the country achieved considerable success despite the extraordinary challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hanoi Declaration on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision laid the groundwork for ASEAN’s long-term future, culminating in this year’s adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 by regional leaders.

The Ambassador added that the recent upgrade of Vietnam–Australia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership complements the ASEAN–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and contributes to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous ASEAN.

Vietnam drives ASEAN cooperation forward

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn remarked that since joining the bloc in 1995 as a low-income country, Vietnam has truly transformed into one of ASEAN’s most dynamic and influential members. Its strong and sustained economic growth demonstrates Vietnam’s rising stature in the region.

Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn emphasized that these substantial achievements have not only improved the material and spiritual well-being of the Vietnamese people but also significantly strengthened ASEAN’s standing. The strength of the organization can only be sustained when each member state grows robustly and remains committed to building a regional community. As ASEAN adopts its Community Vision 2045 this year, Vietnam’s active and leading role continues to be pivotal in shaping the bloc’s shared future.

Amid growing challenges both within and beyond the region, Vietnam’s role and standing in ASEAN are gaining increasing recognition and respect. Many countries look to Vietnam to take on a greater role within the bloc, serving as a bridge between ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners. Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko said that Vietnam, located along a vital maritime route between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, is a key partner in tackling regional and international security challenges.

Beyond security matters, Vietnam is also among the more developed economies in ASEAN, with a strong focus on manufacturing amid ongoing supply chain shifts. It has become one of the most promising destinations for Japanese companies. Bolstering bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Japan will therefore contribute to regional growth, peace, and stability, while supporting the goals of ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

With its outstanding contributions to ASEAN and the country’s current achievements, international experts and scholars view these as a driving force for Vietnam to confidently promote its foreign policy and assume a greater role within the bloc in the coming period.

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