(VOVWORLD) -The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) celebrates its 50th founding anniversary on Tuesday. ASEAN’s achievements over the past half a century has turned it into the most dynamic and influential region in the Asia-Pacific region. 22 years since joining ASEAN, Vietnam has contributed to the bloc’s success, particularly the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivered a speech to mark ASEAN’s 50th founding anniversary.
 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc
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On August 8, 1967, ASEAN was established with 5 member nations. Over the past 50 years it has developed into a 10-nation Community of strong political and economic status, comprehensive mechanisms, and cohesive relations.
ASEAN – a successful regional cooperate model
Prime Minister Phuc said through historical upheavals, ASEAN has turned Southeast Asia from confrontation to dialogue, from suspicion to cooperation, from division to solidarity with the highlight the establishment of the ASEAN Community. “A peaceful, secured, stable and developed Southeast Asia is a highlight on a world map of instability. The ASEAN Community is ranked 6th in the world with a GDP reaching nearly 3 trillion USD annually. ASEAN is a combination of diverse cultures and rich identity. Countries live in unity and peace with secured social welfare and improved living standards.”
In its external affairs, including with world powers, ASEAN is proactive in dialogue and cooperation and takes the lead in regional mechanisms and forums. ASEAN has worked with other partners in all issues including climate change, anti-terrorism, and peace and stability in the East Sea among others. It has helped raise the status of the bloc and each member country internationally.
Vietnam commits to work with ASEAN to build a united and self-reliant Community
Over the past 22 years, Vietnam’s contributions to ASEAN are associated with the bloc’s development. The 21st century has posed both opportunities and challenges to ASEAN in realizing its Vision to 2025, toward an ASEAN Community based on law, people-centered, and for the people. ASEAN has renovated itself to become more flexible and effective and enhance solidarity it has built over the past 50 years. Vietnam, as an active and responsible member, has initiated measures to accelerate ASEAN’s development.
Prime Minister Phuc said: “Vietnam pledges to work with other countries to build a united, self-reliant ASEAN, promote internal trade and investment, upgrade infrastructure, narrow the development gap, cooperate for people’s benefit, raise people’s living conditions and social security, inspire the pride of the Community, build an ASEAN Community based on international law, maintain its central role in the region, and hold firm its views on regional and global issues.”
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc congratulated all member countries and ASEAN citizens on the occasion of ASEAN’s anniversary. He believed that with strong determination and common perception, ASEAN will advance firmly on the path to build a united community for peace and prosperity.