Vietnam has become more respected internationally thanks to its successful organization of the 36th ASEAN Summit amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnam facilitated online discussions on boosting ASEAN cooperation and development in the coming months. The success of last week’s summit has raised Vietnam’s prestige.

At the 36th ASEAN Summit, themed “Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN”, ASEAN leaders discussed ways to restore their battered economies in the post-COVID-19 period and ways to boost cooperation with ASEAN’s partners.

ASEAN-36 summit spotlighted in foreign media

Foreign media praised the success of the meeting, which was effective and fruitful despite being held online. At the end of the Summit, participants released the “ASEAN Leaders’ Vision Statement on A Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN: Rising Above Challenges and Sustaining Growth”, the “ASEAN Declaration on Human Resources Development for the Changing World of Work”, and 9 other documents.

Many articles quoted Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s speech saying that between now and the end of the year, ASEAN governments will be challenged to lead their countries out of the current economic difficulties. If they succeed, this will be clear evidence of the sustainability and vitality of a self-reliant and dynamic ASEAN.

In an article titled “Vietnam showing new leadership values of ASEAN”, Japan’s Nikkei Review said Vietnam was a late addition to ASEAN but has shown active leadership in coping with challenges facing the bloc.

Vietnam has initiated dialogues on important issues like regional trade disputes and territorial disputes in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea).

Channel News Asia praised the country’s organization of the Summit, saying Vietnam was a model for COVID-19 prevention and control and one of the countries leading the region’s pandemic response.

Vietnam’s international prestige grows

The nation’s standing in the world has been enhanced by its responsible handling of recent challenges and its dynamic leadership within ASEAN, a regional alliance predicted to prosper in the post-COVID-19 period.

Its successful organization of the 36th ASEAN Summit and related meetings despite pandemic lockdowns, showed off both ASEAN’s solidarity and strong political will to overcome challenges to move forward and Vietnam’s growing confidence and skill as a leader and organizer.