(VOVWORLD) - The 33rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings are being held in Singapore from Sunday to Thursday, where leaders of ASEAN countries and partners will discuss regional and global issues affecting the prosperity of each nation and ASEAN as a whole. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s attendance affirms Vietnam’s role as an active and responsible member of ASEAN.
Leaders of the 10 ASEAN members and ASEAN’s 8 dialogue partners are attend the 33rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings, the final activities of the ASEAN Year in Singapore. The related meetings include ASEAN+3 ( with China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea), the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN meeting with China, South Korea, Japan, the US, India, Australia, and Russia, and the 2nd Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) meeting.
ASEAN’s orientation
The 33rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings are taking place at a moment when many regional and global developments are confronting the bloc. Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said: “ASEAN and other regional organizations are facing great challenges around the world. Britain leaving the EU will have an economic impact. Security threats come from instability in the Middle East and North Africa, terrorism, climate change, and epidemics.”
The topic “Innovative and resilient ASEAN”, proposed by the host country, Singapore, is discussed in the ASEAN Leaders' Vision for a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN, which suggests cooperation to strengthen ASEAN resilience against external impacts, reinforce ASEAN’s central position in the region, and take advantage of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Ambassador Nguyen Hoanh Nam, former Ambassador and Head of Vietnam’s delegation to ASEAN, said: “ASEAN has discussed solutions to reform its operation and improve its capacity to create internal connections through trade, investment, transportation, and work facilitation.”
ASEAN promotes its central role
The presence of so many world leaders at ASEAN Summits testifies to ASEAN’s growing importance. ASEAN has gained positive results in 3 years of implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and Master Plan to build an ASEAN Community on 3 pillars. The Community has achieved 239/290 security cooperation activities, 80/118 priorities for economic cooperation, and 100% of its cultural and social commitments. Economic growth is predicted to reach 5.1% this year and 5.2% next year.
ASEAN’s external cooperation has been expanded through practical initiatives. Other countries respect and want to enhance cooperation with ASEAN and support the ASEAN Community. 91 countries have ambassadors to ASEAN. 53 ASEAN Committees have been established non-ASEAN countries.
Vietnam contributes to a resilient ASEAN
Vietnam, as an active member of ASEAN, will work closely with other members to build a stable, strong, and prosperous ASEAN. Vietnam has adopted a Cyber Security Law, launched a National Strategy to adapt to the 4th Industrial Revolution, and developed smart cities in line with ASEAN’s commitments.