More than three decades of partnering with ASEAN stands as a vivid testament to Viet Nam’s aspiration for deeper international integration and its pioneering spirit and sense of responsibility in contributing to building a stronger regional “common home” that delivers tangible benefits to people across the region.
Joining ASEAN constituted a timely and strategically significant decision by the Party and the State, reflecting the evolution of Viet Nam’s foreign policy thinking.
Throughout more than 30 years of membership, Viet Nam has consistently placed ASEAN at the core of its foreign policy. Its practical contributions have been integrally linked to many of the bloc’s defining milestones.
In the early years of its membership, Viet Nam helped advance the accession of Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, turning the vision of ASEAN-10 into reality and bringing about a qualitative transformation that elevated the association’s international standing.
Viet Nam also stood at the forefront of championing Timor-Leste’s accession to the ASEAN family, culminating in its admission as the bloc’s 11th member in 2025, the first enlargement of ASEAN since 1999.
Viet Nam’s imprint on ASEAN has been defined by its sense of responsibility and proactive engagement in formulating the association’s direction and major strategic decisions.
Together with fellow member states, Viet Nam has contributed to formulating key documents, including ASEAN Vision 2020, the ASEAN Charter, the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and 2045, alongside master plans on ASEAN connectivity and on narrowing the development gap within the bloc.
Whether hosting the 6th ASEAN Summit, serving as Chair of the 34th ASEAN Standing Committee, or assuming the rotating ASEAN Chairmanship in 2010 and 2020, Viet Nam has consistently demonstrated a pioneering spirit, strong sense of responsibility, and initiative, thereby maintaining ASEAN’s unity and solidarity while reinforcing its central role in an increasingly uncertain world.
Viet Nam’s participation in ASEAN has been guided by the Party’s and the State’s policies and orientations. Joining ASEAN was a strategic step that enabled the nation to break out of isolation and overcome international sanctions, catalysing deeper regional integration and a stronger international presence.
Participation in ASEAN’s mechanisms has also established favourable conditions for Viet Nam to expand and deepen its network of multilateral and bilateral relationships worldwide.
At the same time, it has enabled the country to mobilise resources more effectively, expand its development opportunities, and diversify markets in support of its socio-economic development objectives.
Viet Nam’s increasingly active, proactive, and substantive contributions over the past three decades have garnered widespread recognition from fellow ASEAN members and the international community.
After nearly six decades of development, ASEAN has become a successful model of regional cooperation and connectivity, with growing influence and prestige on the global stage. To prepare for the next phase of its development, ASEAN has adopted the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, seeking to construct a more resilient, dynamic, innovative, and people-centred association.
Today, the world is undergoing profound changes. The Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions have emerged simultaneously as engines of global growth and as arenas of intensifying strategic competition.
Amid this landscape of both opportunities and challenges, Viet Nam remains committed to contributing fully to ASEAN’s future by shouldering greater responsibilities and asserting a leading role, including through the continued organisation of the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF).
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn asserted that Viet Nam’s sustained organisation and development of the AFF over the years demonstrates its capacity to convene stakeholders and lead regional dialogue on strategic issues.
From being a newcomer navigating the challenges of its early years in the association, Viet Nam has, over the past three decades, evolved into a highly respected key player that consistently delivers responsible, active, and effective contributions to ASEAN.
Amid an increasingly unpredictable global environment, Viet Nam remains steadfast in collaborating with fellow member states to build a more resilient and prosperous future for ASEAN.
