Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyễn Quốc Dũng. VNA/VNS Photo

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyễn Quốc Dũng spoke with the media about the outstanding results of the 38th and 39th ASEAN summits and related meetings.

After the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits and related meetings, can you tell us the meaning and results of these summits? How has ASEAN handled the challenges and problems posed to the association?

The 38th, 39th ASEAN summits and related summits were successful. The events were taking place in a special context with complicated developments both inside and outside the region.

The COVID-19 pandemic is still complicated, while the situation of ASEAN members has remained unstable, and the competition between great power in the world has directly affected the role, image and activities of ASEAN.

With the above challenges, the gathering of 10 ASEAN member states and their partners at the summits and related meetings has affirmed the spirit and values ​​of ASEAN, which is to use dialogue and cooperation as tools towards peace and stability.

The results of the meetings also show the current issues that need to be dealt with, such as cooperation in pandemic prevention and control, promotion of sustainable recovery, socio-economic development under the new normal, international and regional issues, including the East Sea. Those are topics that ASEAN and their partner countries are very interested in and wish to actively and responsibly take part in.

The meetings have achieved outstanding results.

Firstly, ASEAN member countries have united and agreed to contribute to the building of the ASEAN Community. Contributing to the peace and stability in the region continues to be the goal of ASEAN and each member country.

Second, ASEAN partners have committed to cooperate with ASEAN to effectively control the pandemic and respond to emerging challenges, including climate change, environmental pollution and resource depletion. This also shows that sustainable recovery is still the priority for most countries.

Third, the issues that affect peace, stability and development in the region such as the East Sea, Myanmar, and North Korea, as well as narrowing the development gap, continued to be discussed extensively and actively at the summits. 

All countries highly appreciated the central role of ASEAN, are willing to transparently share their steps with the region, and affirm that peace and stability are common goals and the rule of law, frank dialogue and effective cooperation are the main tools to achieve this goal.

In addition, countries uphold the sense of responsibility, transparent behaviour, and harmonious relations as the basis for relations between countries inside and outside the region.

Can you tell us more about Việt Nam’s delegation participating in the event and our contributions?

In the spirit of solidarity, cooperation, ready to be a friend, reliable partner and responsible member of the international community, Việt Nam determined to participate in the meetings proactively, positively and responsibly.

Việt Nam participated in the exchange and sharing of all the issues at the meetings. Many of Việt Nam's ideas have been recognised and supported. From the beginning of 2021, Việt Nam has made a responsible contribution to the development of about 100 documents submitted to the leaders for approval and recognition.

Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the countries at the event also welcomed and supported the new approach of the Vietnamese Government and people to safely adapt, respond flexibly and effectively control the pandemic in parallel with accelerating recovery of socio-economic development as Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính stated. 

Việt Nam's proposals related to sustainable recovery received the attention of countries at meetings.

Việt Nam's straightforward, sincere and transparent approach to regional and international issues, including the East Sea, promoting sub-regional development in association with ASEAN's overall development, and strengthening the linkages between countries in the region was fully demonstrated in the documents at the meetings.

Besides the general success of the meetings, Việt Nam's contributions continue to be maintained and promoted, thereby, the image and role of Việt Nam continue to be affirmed. VNS