Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s presence at the upcoming 34th ASEAN Summit will contribute to tightening ASEAN solidarity, promoting the central role of the bloc, expanding and deepening relations with its partners, and facilitating sustainable development of each member state.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (Source: VNA)

His attendance is also expected to affirm Vietnam’s efforts to continue reforming and participating in regional cooperation activities actively and responsibly, thereby protecting the country’s legitimate interests.

Since Vietnam joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1995, the country has actively taken part in all ASEAN activities in different aspects, and coordinated closely with other member states in implementing commitments related to goods trading, services and investment.

As a coordinator for ASEAN-EU economic cooperation, Vietnam has contributed to fostering bilateral trade and economic ties. It has also well assumed the roles as the chair of negotiations on the Trade in Services Agreement within the framework of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP), and the representative of ASEAN in negotiations of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The 34th ASEAN Summit will take place in Bangkok, Thailand from June 22-23, under the theme of “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability”. 

The summit will discuss the building of the ASEAN Community, the relationship between ASEAN and its partners, and regional and international issues of mutual concern.

ASEAN leaders will exchange views on how to step up economic connectivity, expand cooperation between ASEAN and its partners, especially in getting adapted to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, responding to such challenges as climate change, terrorism, hi-tech crime, and consolidate the central role of ASEAN in the regional structure.

This summit is scheduled to approve several important documents to serve as foundation for ASEAN cooperation in the time ahead, such as ASEAN Leaders' Vision Statement on "Partnership for Sustainability"; ASEAN Indo-Pacific Outlook; Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris in the Region and ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the ASEAN Cultural Year 2019.

The ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.