VGP – Viet Nam expects ASEAN Secretariat to continue strengthening coordination with Viet Nam throughout preparatory process for the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) welcomes
ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi at the headquarters of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs in Ha Noi on August 27, 2019. Photo: VGP

 Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh made the above statement at his reception for ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi in Ha Noi on August 27.

ASEAN has grown significantly since Viet Nam assumed the Chair in 2010 but the bloc is also facing numerous challenges, thus promoting ASEAN solidarity, unity and centrality is a top task to help the bloc overcome challenges and adapt to fast and complicated changes, emphasized Minh.

ASEAN should step up efforts to accelerate intra-connectivity, particularly in trade and investment facilitation and conclusion of talks on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on time, he added.

As Viet Nam will undertake the UNSC non-permanent membership in 2020-2021 tenure, Minh said Viet Nam will actively work with other ASEAN countries to foster partnership between the United Nations and regional organizations, including ASEAN.

Meanwhile, Lim highly valued Viet Nam’s preparations for the ASEAN Chairmanship with concrete roadmap and steps, pledging to closely cooperate with Viet Nam to well prepare for the role./.