Despite uncertainties in many regions around the world, ASEAN countries have managed to maintain political stability and gradually restore their economies. ASEAN is known as a success story with dynamic growth. Member countries are making efforts to increase international partnership and shape a new regional structure with ASEAN playing the central role. During their previous Summit, ASEAN leaders determined that the three top priorities for 2011 are following a specific roadmap for the formation of an ASEAN Community, ensuring ASEAN has a central role in the new regional structure, and developing an action plan for the bloc after 2015.

Continuing the theme “ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations”, the upcoming summit will review the implementation of the last summit’s results, further promote the bloc’s role, and maintain peace, stability, and co-operation. During this summit, ASEAN leaders will discuss ways to work closer in multilateral organizations and forums, and increase consultation between member countries to voice a common stance on global issues. Also high on the agenda will be joining hands with the rest of the world to cope with global challenges”.

ASEAN leaders will discuss the implementation of the ASEAN Connectivity master plan, one of the most important issues at this year’s summit. Vietnam made an important contribution to this plan during its 2010 chairmanship, hoping to narrow the development gap in the region and turn the bloc into a seamless community. Marty Natalegawa, Indonesia’s Foreign Minister is optimistic about the possible results of the summit. “The meeting provides opportunity for us to implement ASEAN connectivity for common goals. We agree to speed up the realization of commitments within ASEAN, particularly the ASEAN Connectivity master plan approved in Hanoi last year. All these will serve the formation of an ASEAN community by 2015”, he said.

During its 19-year membership, Vietnam has made a great effort to lead the bloc to a new phase of development in which ideas and vision are turned into action. At this year’s summit, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will discuss with other leaders measures to boost co-operation, and adopt agreements on future co-operation between ASEAN and its partners. The Prime Minister will meet with leaders of ASEAN and its partners including China, Japan, the US, the Republic of Korea, and the UN in an effort to strengthen relations.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Minh, Head of the ASEAN Department of Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry said that through co-operating with other ASEAN members, Vietnam was able to realize its most important diplomacy target, to create a peaceful and stable environment for national growth. “Vietnam’s success during its ASEAN Chair 2010 has contributed to creating a more favorable environment for the country’s security and development, increasing its international position. The country will continue to work hard for ASEAN connectivity and the building of an ASEAN community by 2015, will strengthen solidarity to ensure peace, security, stability, and co-operation in the region, and will maintain ASEAN’s central role. This will help to increase Vietnam’s position in the international arena”, he said.

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