Viet Nam’s accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1995 was a "strategic decision" for both the country and the bloc’s then six members, laying the foundation for a more united Southeast Asia, former Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh has said.

Viet Nam welcomes the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement reached between Cambodia and Thailand on July 28, considering it an important step towards easing tensions and restoring peace, stability, security, and safety in the region, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on July 29.