Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng visited Indonesia’s Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Jakarta, where he delivered a speech on the 50 years of ASEAN, including its formation, development and plans for the future. — VNA/VNS Photo Trí Dũng

Jakarta – Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng visited Indonesia’s Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Jakarta, where he delivered a speech on the 50 years of ASEAN, including its formation, development and plans for the future.

The Party leader recalled the traditional friendship between the two countries from the 19th century when the Nguyễn Dynasty of Việt Nam send the first envoy to Indonesia to boost trade ties. The relationship has grown and developed ever since. In 2013, the two countries became strategic partners. 

Việt Nam and Indonesia are members of ASEAN with many shared interests and similar values, he said, stressing the important role of the bloc as one of the most successful organisations in the world and a dynamic economic region ranking seventh in the world. 

The building of the ASEAN Community towards a united bloc not only benefits member countries but also other outside states, he said. 

The Party chief analysed challenges facing ASEAN, while pointing out lessons helping the association succeed over the past 50 years, including those on dependence, and self-reliance, solidarity and unity as well as the central role in regional cooperation mechanisms. 

In order to realise the ASEAN Vision 2025, he highlighted the need for the association to successfully build the ASEAN Community of solidarity, strength and prosperity, maintain and reinforce regional peace and stability, and strengthen partnership with outside partners while promoting the central role of the bloc in the regional architecture. 

Over the past 22 years, Việt Nam has exerted every effort to maintain and promote order in Southeast Asia based on the principles of the region and international law, he said. 

The Party chief said that Việt Nam considers ASEAN a common home, and prioritises relations with member countries. 

He also expressed his hope that Việt Nam and Indonesia will collaborate with other ASEAN members to continue efforts in building the association.

The CSIS is a leading research agency of Indonesia and a member of the ASEAN network of international study institutions. Over four decades, the CSIS has made important contributions to research on important strategic issues in Indonesia as well as the region and the world, while making many proposals to strengthen the mutual understanding of regional scholars and people.— VNS