That Viet Nam became the seventh member of ASEAN has marked a strategic decision, opened the international and regional integration process and created a landmark in ASEAN’s development process. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh hosts a banquet on
the occasion of the ASEAN Day and the 25th anniversary of Viet Nam’s accession
to ASEAN, Ha Noi, July 28, 2020 - Photo: VGP/Hai Minh 

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh made that statement at a banquet on the occasion of the ASEAN Day and the 25th anniversary of Viet Nam’s accession to ASEAN.

The 25-year membership in ASEAN has brought practical benefits to Viet Nam, Minh said, adding that the nation has also made crucial contributions to ASEAN’s development and success.

ASEAN’s existence, development, solidarity and centrality are factors bringing peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia, he asserted. 

The group has promoted multilateralism and trade liberalization, and formed core mechanisms for economic and security structures in Asia-Pacific, thus helping to expand its partnership and cooperation with countries and organizations in the world, he continued.

The ASEAN is making efforts to realize short, mid and long-term plans such as setting up the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund and warehouses of medical supplies, compiling standard pandemic response procedures, and completing plans for comprehensive recovery in the post COVID-19 time.

The bloc has also taken the initiative in anticipating and seizing the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution by joining new-technology sectors, developing a network of smart cities, and improving human resources quality.

Deputy PM Minh expressed thanks to country members and international and regional partners for joining hands in establishing the ASEAN Community.