(VOVWORLD) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his wife led a ceremony in Hanoi on Tuesday to mark the 50th anniversary of ASEAN and 22 years since Vietnam joined ASEAN.
 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc praised ASEAN's increasing role in the region (Photo: Vu Dung/VOV) |
The event was attended by deputy prime ministers and their spouses, ministers, government officials, and former leaders. Venezuelan Ambassador to Vietnam Jorge Rondon Uzcategui and Philippine Ambassador Noel Servigon were among the representatives of diplomatic corps.
Prime Minister Phuc highlighted the achievements of ASEAN over the past 50 years that have made it a strong and united community with rules-based operations and extensive connectivity, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region. He stressed that ASEAN has an increasing role and position in the region, adding that the association is playing a crucial role in the evolving regional architecture.
 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his wife at the ceremony (Photo: Vu Dung/VOV) |
PM Phuc said ASEAN needs to consolidate unity, promote internal power, and build a community that can engage people and bring benefits to people: “Vietnam always considers ASEAN its strategic priority. We’re committed to work with other members to build a united, peaceful, stable, and strong ASEAN, effectively implement commitments towards the 2025 ASEAN Community Vision and master plans on the 3 pillars, and contribute to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region.”
PM Phuc thanked ASEAN’s partners and international organizations for their cooperation and support for ASEAN members, and said he hopes the ambassadors and officials will continue acting as an effective bridge connecting their countries and organizations with Vietnam and ASEAN.