Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
Tonight, on the eve of the New Year 2016, we are very happy to join all member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in celebrating the birth of the ASEAN Community. The ASEAN Community consists of dynamic economies with a combined GDP of US$2,600 billion and a population of over 600 million. The Community is also home to the time-honoured, rich and diverse cultures imbued with unique identities. This is a historic milestone in the integration process of the Southeast Asian region, reflecting the shared vision and commitments of all member states in elevating their co-operation and integration to a new height for the common benefit of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
Having overcome all historical ups and downs and differences, the ASEAN Community has evolved to become the common home of the Southeast Asian nations’ family. After nearly 50 years of development, ASEAN has grown strong and made significant achievements for peace and prosperity of the regional countries. The Community is stepping up efforts to deepen its integration in all the three political-security, economic and socio-cultural pillars. ASEAN has risen above challenges to generate pivotal benefits to its members by upholding the Community’s values of solidarity, consensus and unity. ASEAN’s centrality in the region, particularly in the security architecture, has received wide participation and strong support of the international community, its Dialogue Partners, including the world’s major powers.
Being well aware that community building is a continuous and evolving process, ASEAN has outlined the Vision 2025, in which we are all committed to a closely integrated, rules-based and people-oriented ASEAN, a Community that is outward looking and plays increasingly important role in the region and the world.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
Since its accession in 1995, Vietnam has undertaken enormous efforts to build a strong ASEAN and translate into reality the vision of a cohesive Community that brings together all the ten Southeast Asian nations. Joining ASEAN was a strategic decision for Vietnam since it marks the first milestone in implementing Vietnam’s policy of diversification and multi-lateralisation of external relations and international integration. During its 20-year journey together with ASEAN guided by the principle of “proactive, active and responsible” participation, Vietnam has seriously fulfilled all commitments and obligations of a member state with significant contributions to the ASEAN development, which are recognised by countries in and outside the region. At the same time, Vietnam’s significant achievements in the domestic reforms and socio-economic development as well as its rising international role also contributed substantially to the overall strength and stance of ASEAN.
In the years to come, to successfully integrate into the ASEAN Community and enhance its international role, Vietnam should bring into full play internal resources and innovation capacity by taking actions to overcome all difficulties and challenges and better harness the opportunities for rapid and sustainable development and for the true benefit of the people. Vietnam will continue to deepen its integration and is fully committed to working closely with other member states to realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
To celebrate the birth of the ASEAN Community and on the occasion of the New Year 2016, on behalf of the Government and people of Vietnam, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to the Government and people of all ASEAN member states.
I am convinced that with our concerted efforts, the ASEAN Community will continue to thrive, generate greater benefits to its people and the member states, and play an increasingly important role in the maintenance of the regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Thank you.
