Significance of joining ASEAN
VGP – The decision to join ASEAN in 1995 is a significant milestone in Viet Nam’s regional integration and connectivity, noted Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Vinh during his exclusive interview given to the National News Agency.
At national level, the decision provided Viet Nam a chance to connect with other nations in the region and together with them we build a peaceful, stable and cooperative environment in favor of the national protection and development.
It also paved the way for Viet Nam to further integrate into the region and the global community, thus helping the country to improve its position and expand cooperation with other nations.
At regional level, ASEAN became more coherent, thus facilitating the establishment of ASEAN Community.
Regarding Viet Nam’s contribution to ASEAN over the past nearly two decades, the diplomat said the country has helped strengthen the bloc’s solidarity and contributed to defining orientations for the current and future operation of the group.
Deputy Foreign Minister Vinh said ASEAN needs to continue fostering solidarity to make stronger voice on regional issues and promote its central role in issues related to peace and security in the region.
Specifically, in terms of the East Sea issue, the bloc should underline the principle of strict implementation of international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, while supporting the peaceful settlement of disputes without using or threatening to use force, he said.
By Thuy Dung
