The summit began on May 7 to discuss orientations and measures to accelerate the building of the ASEAN Community based on the three pillars of politics-security, economics and socio-culture; and strengthen cooperation with non-member partners; as well as improving ASEAN’s role in the international community.

ASEAN’s main goal is to successfully create an ASEAN Community by 2015 and this will be the focus of the summit and related meetings.

ASEAN has identified three priorities in the current period: ensuring significant development focused on the economic pillar and making all efforts to expand regional economic integration; strengthening inner-bloc connectivity to ensure the bloc’s key role in the development of East Asia; and enhancing ASEAN’s role in dealing with global issues.

The world and the region are facing a number of difficulties and challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and vulnerable financial systems in some countries, which require close cooperation among ASEAN member countries in order to cope with them. The region’s current situation, stable politics and security, economic recovery, and increased cooperation within the bloc and with partners, also creates a favourable conditions for ASEAN to promote connections and cooperation

Inheriting ASEAN’s achievements and Vietnam’s presidency in 2010, Indonesia undertook the ASEAN presidency with great determination to build the ASEAN Community by 2015 and has committed to accelerating the implementation of signed agreements.

As the country with the ASEAN Secretariat’s headquarters, Indonesia and the other ASEAN members will make their best efforts to raise ASEAN’s prestige in the international arena and expand cooperation with its outside partners as well as within the bloc.

The Vietnamese delegation will promote the achievements gained during the country’s 2010 ASEAN Chairmanship year, enhancing ASEAN solidarity and connectivity; boast cooperation between ASEAN and its partners; and maintain ASEAN’s central role, thereby promoting the role and position of Vietnam.

The success of its ASEAN Chairmanship created a favourable environment for Vietnam to fulfill its security and development targets and a new position and strength to work towards external targets in the future, especially the resolution of the 11^th National Party Congress. Now is a good time to promote the nation’s role and position.