Veeramalla Anjaiah, an Indonesian journalist. Photo: VNA

Veeramalla Anjaiah, a Jakarta-based senior journalist and author of the book “Azerbaijan Seen from Indonesia”, praised Vietnam's contributions to the unification, peace and stability of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

According to Veeramalla Anjaiah, since its initiation into ASEAN in 1995, Vietnam has gradually become an active, self-motivated, and responsible member, as seen from its practical contributions toward the group’s unity, maturity, and growth.

Some of them include the adoption of the 2007 ASEAN Charter, the Hanoi Declaration on ASEAN Vision 2020, the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, and Master Plans implementing the three pillars of politics-security, economics, and culture-society. It has also helped ASEAN partner with non-regional players, including China, Russia, India, and the European Union (EU).

Vietnam also helped ASEAN cooperate with non-regional participants, including China, Russia, India and the European Union (EU).

He stressed that Vietnam's membership in ASEAN has important social, political, economic and security implications. Vietnam integrated security with the rest of Southeast Asia and created a favorable environment for economic development, promoting industrialization and modernization of the country in the context of regional integration. This helped enhance Vietnam's global image, leading to greater bargaining power with powers like the US and China.

Regarding the economic, thanks to prudent economic policies and 17 free trade agreements (FTAs), Vietnam becomes the fastest growing economy in 2022.

Gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 8.02% in 2022; total trade turnover reached more than US$730 billion.

Foreign investors are pouring money into Vietnam to take advantage of the country's membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and other FTAs.

Indonesia assumes the role of ASEAN Chair in 2023. Photo: VOV

Veeramalla Anjaiah noted that over the past 28 years, Vietnam made efforts to ensure peace and reconciliation among ASEAN nations once deeply divided by war.

Vietnam assisted in resolving differences arising between member countries, promoted a common stance and voice on regional issues.

Vietnam also contributed to expanding relations and promoting cooperation between ASEAN and partners. Vietnam supported ASEAN to enhance its international role, especially its central and decisive role at regional forums such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM+).

Regarding the South China Sea issue, an important maritime route connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, Vietnam and other ASEAN members have upheld the principle of peaceful dispute settlement.

They comply with the provisions mentioned in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), making an important contribution to enhancing stability and cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam worked hard to put the South China Sea on the ASEAN agenda and ensure disputes are resolved constructively.

Vietnam has shown consistent support for the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), ASEAN's Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea and the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).

Veeramalla Anjaiah stated that Vietnam is a peace-loving country. Vietnam wishes to resolve all disputes in the South China Sea by working with ASEAN and the United Nations to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Vietnam calls for the settlement of disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law and UNCLOS 1982, including provisions on respecting the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of coastal countries. Vietnam is also a strong supporter of Indonesia as the ASEAN Chair in 2023 and ASEAN's constant efforts to sign the COC with China.