Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (right) receives the ASEAN chairmanship hammer from his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc sent New Year greetings to leaders of ASEAN states on the first day of 2020 on the occasion of Việt Nam becoming Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

On behalf of the Government and people of Việt Nam, PM Phúc extended his greetings to leaders of ASEAN nations, their families and all people of the ASEAN Community, wishing them “a New Year full of health, happiness and success".

“2020 is forecast to be a year of difficulties and challenges with unpredictable developments in the region and the world,” the PM said. “But all such difficulties and challenges cannot prevent us from moving towards a common goal – a united, peaceful, prosperous and sustainably developed ASEAN Community.”

“To realise the goal, a 'cohesive and responsive' ASEAN is an important factor for us to overcome difficulties and challenges together and join hands in building a better future for the regional community and people,” he said.

As Chair of ASEAN this year, Việt Nam wants to work with regional countries to implement specific activities and initiatives; strengthen solidarity; foster connectivity; promote identity; enhance external relations and improve ASEAN’s operational efficiency, he continued.

Việt Nam hopes to receive support and co-operation from countries in implementing such initiatives, he said.

“Let’s join hands to build and develop the ASEAN Community together towards prosperity and sustainable development,” the PM stressed. — VNS