(VOVWORLD) - The ASEAN Future Forum 2024 (AFF 2024) opened in Hanoi on Tuesday with the theme “Toward fast and sustainable growth of a people-centered ASEAN Community”. The forum, hosted by the Foreign Ministry, is Vietnam’s large-scale multilateral initiative.
 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the ASEAN Future Forum 2024, Hanoi, April 23, 2024. |
In his opening speech, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that after nearly six decades of formation and development, ASEAN has never been in a better position than it is today, nor has it ever faced as many challenges as it does now. This new reality requires ASEAN to adopt a comprehensive strategic vision to seize opportunities, address challenges, and achieve stable and sustainable development.
“The process of development requires solidarity, mutual trust, and joint efforts of all member countries. We need to steadfastly pursue a global, all-people, and comprehensive approach to ensure ASEAN’s resilience under all circumstances as well as its rapid and sustainable economic development.”
PM Chinh said that during its nearly three decades of ASEAN membership, Vietnam has always considered ASEAN a top priority in its foreign policy and has done its utmost for a united and strong ASEAN community with a rising position in the region and throughout the world.
 PM Pham Minh Chinh and his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone at the ASEAN Future Forum 2024. |
ASEAN leaders including ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and Sonexay Siphandone, the Prime Minister of Laos, which is ASEAN Chair for 2024, all praised the ASEAN Future Forum initiated by Vietnam. The forum serves as a mechanism to receive new ideas and policy recommendations for ASEAN to consider, according to Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.
"I must say that Vietnam is being visionary in this regard that focuses on the development of ASEAN in line with what ASEAN is currently pursuing regarding the crafting of the ASEAN Community vision in 2045 and for its strategic plan," he said.
This Forum is the right time and relevant given the merit of challenges facing the region and the government of ASEAN states are always focused on the challenges of the moment of today, not the kind of things that lies ahead, Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn noted.
The forum discussed measures to promote an inclusive and self-reliant ASEAN community; the application of advanced science, technology, and innovation to balance prosperity and sustainable development; ASEAN’s comprehensive approach to regional security; and directions to help ASEAN contribute more effectively to addressing global challenges.