Over the last 5 decades, ASEAN has changed significantly in its organization and operation. From 5 initial members, ASEAN has grown to include 10 regional countries who have been building a community and mutual trust. From a loose cooperative mechanism in 1967, ASEAN has transformed into a rules-based association with the enforcement of an ASEAN Charter in 2008 and has earned recognition as a dynamic regional bloc.

ASEAN’s success is a result of the unity of member countries in working toward the common goals of regional peace, security, and stability with sustainable economic growth, social advancement, and shared prosperity.

Integral factor of regional peace and security

Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh said ASEAN has become an important force for regional peace and security. “During its development, ASEAN has promoted its active role in regional peace, security, stability, and cooperation via ASEAN forums and dialogues. World powers and ASEAN partners have recognized and supported the bloc’s central role in the region.”

In the current situation, which involves territorial challenges and disputes, particularly in the East Sea, Deputy Foreign Minister Vinh says the 10 ASEAN members must exert a greater effort to maintain the bloc’s central role. “First, member countries have to enhance unity and successfully build an ASEAN community to promote our internal strength. Second, we have to reinforce mechanisms and cooperative frameworks. Third, regarding issues which have a direct impact on the bloc’s peace, security, and cooperation, ASEAN must voice its principles, make common cause with other member countries, and not be controlled by powerful nations.”

A united and strong community

ASEAN is scheduled to officially announce the ASEAN community on December 31, 2015. It will be a historic milestone. ASEAN has completed about 80% of the 800 specific tasks on the ASEAN community roadmap for building its three pillars of politics-security, economics, and socio-culture.

The establishment of an ASEAN community will be a milestone, but the ASEAN community’s post-2015 vision is even more important. ASEAN leaders have identified a post-2015 vision that focuses on such specific tasks as halving the poverty rate, doubling GDP, promoting ASEAN’s role in resolving regional complexities and building relations with the world’s largest nations. Deputy Minister Vinh talks about ASEAN’s future tasks. “ASEAN has to unite, gain a more prominent voice, and maintain and guarantee the implementation of regional principles and international law. On regional issues ASEAN has to demonstrate its responsibility.”

19 years of participation in ASEAN

During its 19 years in ASEAN, Vietnam has been proactively and responsibly involved in the bloc’s activities. Mr. Vinh again: “We are striving with other member countries to ensure ASEAN unity and promote ASEAN’s active role. We have helped ASEAN demonstrate its influence on complicated issues, for example the East Sea conflict and the May 10 ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Declaration.”

ASEAN is approaching the milestone of an ASEAN community. Through unity and determination, the ASEAN community will achieve great things. As an integral and responsible ASEAN member, Vietnam’s own future development will be closely linked to ASEAN’s growth and integration.