Vietnam’s deputy foreign minister praises ASEAN’s progress under Malaysia’s chairmanship, highlighting Vision 2045 and regional stability achievements.
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN continues to stand out as a beacon of multilateral cooperation and a pillar of peace, stability and development in the region under Malaysia’s proactive stewardship.
Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang said Malaysia has clearly demonstrated the strength and stature of a cohesive and adaptive ASEAN Community.
“ASEAN has upheld its long-standing tradition of solidarity, overcoming differences and challenges to preserve peace and stability, while achieving historic progress,” he told Bernama in a written interview.
Giang noted the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 has charted the course for regional cooperation in the decades to come.
The formal admission of Timor-Leste has expanded ASEAN’s development prospects and integration space, further deepening the Community’s inclusiveness and cohesion.
ASEAN’s growth is projected at around 4.7% for 2025, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
New regional frameworks including the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement and ASEAN Power Grid are laying the foundation for a digital community driven by science, technology and innovation.
Externally, ASEAN has made important advances through new inter-regional cooperation models such as ASEAN-GCC and ASEAN-GCC-China.
The upgrading of ASEAN-New Zealand relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership further illustrates ASEAN’s vitality and growing appeal within global architectures.
On the socio-cultural front, ASEAN continues to uphold its people-centred approach through collaborative initiatives in education, health, labour and climate change response.
“These efforts provide a solid foundation for strengthening ASEAN’s cohesion, and ensuring that its citizens truly experience the value of peace, cooperation and development,” Giang said.
Vietnam is proud to have worked alongside Malaysia and other ASEAN member states in advancing the bloc’s shared goals.
Giang expressed confidence that the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will forge a shared vision and collective determination.
This will pave the way for a new chapter of peace, stability and prosperity in the region while building a community truly of the people and for the people. – Bernama
