Huong predicted that Vietnam’s role will remain strong, as long as ASEAN matters to the country’s foreign policy. As a growing economy with rising diplomatic stature, Vietnam is likely to maintain its position as part of the core group among key ASEAN members.
Dr. Le Thu Huong, Chair of the Australia – Vietnam Policy Institute’s Advisory Board. (Photo: VNA)
Sydney (VNA) – Vietnam is a staunch supporter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and increasingly a shining star of the grouping, Dr. Le Thu Huong, Chair of the Australia – Vietnam Policy Institute’s Advisory Board, has said.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s resident correspondent in Sydney on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s admission to ASEAN (July 28, 1995 – 2025), Huong said Vietnam continues to contribute to promoting ASEAN relevance and centrality through both adherence to its good traditions as well as adaptability to the new changing world affairs. It has time and again shown innovation, inclusivity and reliability in handling the ASEAN matters - from promoting the expansion of ASEAN Defence Ministers Meetings with dialogue partners (ADMM Plus) to delivering charismatic chairmanships, including the one-in-the-history during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The scholar pointed out that the ASEAN Community provide a great platform for cooperation in many areas, including economic integration. In times of growing trade barriers, higher tariffs, and challenges to open and free trade, the ASEAN Economic Community is indeed essential. The ASEAN economies have solid foundations to advance their common market, enhance intra-ASEAN trade to offset reduced access to other markets, and uphold multilateral trade agreements they have previously signed.
Huong noted that the beauty of ASEAN is that any member state can champion an agenda and lead it within the group. Vietnam in the past has shown particular interest and commitment to several important areas, from maritime security and renewable energy to technological development. Vietnam can embrace a leadership role in areas of particular concern, and it has the diplomatic stature to do so.
According to the scholar, collective initiative and performance are the key to maintaining ASEAN’s strong position. Therefore, the bloc should continue to showcase leadership in relevant priorities for the region – be that trade, peace and security, or climate change — thereby affirming its centrality. Additionally, ASEAN member countries must also cooperate multilaterally to address emerging challenges and deliver practical outcomes for the region.
Looking ahead, Huong predicted that Vietnam’s role will remain strong, as long as ASEAN matters to the country’s foreign policy. As a growing economy with rising diplomatic stature, Vietnam is likely to maintain its position as part of the core group among key ASEAN members./.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's ASEAN membership (July 28, 1995 – 2025), the diplomat said Vietnam’s accession brought the bloc important strategic visions in economy, politics, culture, and social affairs.
Since joining ASEAN in 1995, Vietnam has emerged as a key player in uniting the bloc and deepning its ties with external partners
In the three decades since, the country, consistently following a motto of being proactive, positive and responsible, has emerged as a vital force in ASEAN’s development, strengthening internal unity and consolidating the bloc’s centrality in regional and global affairs.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
Over the past five decades, the Vietnam - Angola relationship has grown steadily, marked by political trust and close bonds between their Parties, States, Governments, and peoples, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
President Luong Cuong called on the two countries to join hands to promote South – South cooperation, contribute to building a fair and equal global political and economic order, safeguard independence and sovereignty, and promote extensive and substantive international solidarity and cooperation.
President Luong Cuong called on the community to remain united, integrate well into local society, adhere to local laws, and continue contributing to both Angola’s development and Vietnam – Angola relations.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of Angola Carolina Cerqueira agreed to continue strengthening political trust, boost high-level delegation exchanges via all channels, including the parliamentary one, and create favourable legal conditions for bilateral cooperation.
Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço met with the press right after concluding their talks and witnessing the signing of seven cooperation agreements between the two countries in Luanda on August 7.
State President Luong Cuong stressed the fraternal ties between Vietnam and Angola as a shared invaluable asset. It serves as a solid foundation for both countries to enter a new phase of development, further foster political trust and mutual support between the two Parties and States, and deepen the solidarity and mutual understanding between their people.
At the dialogue, both sides expressed satisfaction with the intensive and extensive development of bilateral relationship since it was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.
The robust collaboration between the Vietnamese National Assembly and Japan’s National Diet, particularly between the two nations’ parliamentary friendship groups, is a hallmark of bilateral relations, contributing to deepening the Vietnam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership, said NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man.
Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long received British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew in Hanoi on August 7, affirming education as a standout pillar in the Vietnam - UK Strategic Partnership.
