Deputy Foreign Nguyen Quoc Dung briefed about the theme and priorities of ASEAN Chairmanship 2020 for nearly 70 Ambassadors and representatives from embassies of ASEAN countries and the bloc’s dialogue partners in Ha Noi on December 13. 

Priorities of Viet Nam's ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020

 Dung, who is Secretary General of the National ASEAN 2020 Committee, affirmed ASEAN has always been one of the top priorities in Viet Nam’s foreign policy and the country determines to successfully realize this noble role.

Under the theme “Cohesive and Responsive”, Viet Nam expects to build the ASEAN Community of closer connectivity and resilience to impacts of regional and international situations, Dung said.

The Deputy Foreign Minister said top priorities of Viet Nam’s 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship include: (i) strengthening ASEAN unity and solidarity; (ii) promoting regional integration and connectivity and enhancing ASEAN capacity to adapt to dynamic changes from the 4th industrial revolution; (iii) promoting ASEAN Community identity and awareness; (iv) accelerating ASEAN’s global partnership for peace and sustainable development; (v) and increasing ASEAN’s institutional capacity and effectiveness.

The above priorities were developed on the basis of the themes and priorities of the previous chairs as well as requirements of the current process of the ASEAN Community building, Dung said.

Regarding economic aspect, Viet Nam will steer focus on fostering ASEAN strength through intra-connectivity, enhancing ASEAN centrality in connecting global economies, and improving the association’s operational effectiveness.  
For ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, Viet Nam suggests ASEAN focus on strengthening community connectivity via human resource development, developing services for vulnerable groups, establishing mechanism to deal with fake news, and enhancing management of natural disasters.

Viet Nam will also foster discussions on role of women for peace and security as well as female leadership during the ASEAN Chairmanship year.

Delegates voiced support for the themes and priorities of the ASEAN Chairmanship 2020 as they are suitable to regional and international context and meet requirements for the ASEAN Community.