VN to chair ASEAN since January 1, 2010

Việt Nam’s priority during the ASEAN Chairmanship next year is to promote solidarity and connectivity in ASEAN, translate the ASEAN Charter into reality, effectively implement the blueprints to build the ASEAN Community, expand and deepen relations between ASEAN and its outside partners, and enhance the role and position of the Association in the region and the world. Vietnamese PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng makes the statement at the closing ceremony of the 15th ASEAN Summit, Cha-am Hua Hin, Thailand, October 25, 2009 – Photo: VGP

The following is the full text of the speech:  

Mr. Chairman,

Dear colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to Thailand for its successful hosting of the 15th ASEAN Summit and the related summits. I would also like to express our sincere thanks to the Government and people of Thailand and Excellency Prime Minister in particular for the great hospitality accorded to me and my delegation.

I further wish to express my deep appreciation and warm congratulations to Thailand's successful hosting of the ASEAN Chairmanship, making important contributions to ASEAN cooperation, particularly in bringing the ASEAN Charter into reality and setting the roadmap to build the ASEAN Community by 2015.

Vietnamese PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng delivers speech at the closing ceremony of the 15th ASEAN Summit, Cha-am Hua Hin, Thailand, October 25, 2009 – Photo: VGP

Mr. Chairman,

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are fully aware that taking the ASEAN Chair is both a great honour and a huge responsibility for Việt Nam. Next year will be a crucial year for ASEAN to step up efforts for the building of the ASEAN Community in the next five years. Next year will also be a time when the Association continues to translate the ASEAN Charter into reality, creating a legal and institutional framework for the ASEAN Community. The year 2010 will also mark the 15^th year of Việt Nam’s company with ASEAN. This is indeed an interesting and meaningful coincidence. As such, Việt Nam is determined to give the top priority to successfully fulfilling this mission. We look forward to receiving your support.

Vietnamese PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng shakes hands with the Thai PM while introducing Việt Nam’s website for the ASEAN Chairmanship 2010, Cha-am Hua Hin, Thailand, October 25, 2009 – Photo: VGP

ASEAN cooperation is of strategic importance to Việt Nam. Việt Nam is and will always be an active and responsible member of ASEAN, thus making the Association stronger and better connected. Therefore, our priority during the ASEAN Chairmanship next year is to promote solidarity and connectivity in ASEAN, translate the ASEAN Charter into reality, effectively implement the blueprints to build the ASEAN Community, expand and deepen relations between ASEAN and its outside partners, and enhance the role and position of the Association in the region and the world.

In this spirit, we have decided to chose the theme of “Towards the ASEAN Community: from vision to action” for ASEAN 2010. This theme shows that ASEAN’s goals next year should be achieved by taking concrete actions and realising the building of the ASEAN Community.

To prepare for the launch of ASEAN 2010 and show the above-mentioned theme, we have designed the logo of ASEAN year under Việt Nam’s Chair. We have also set up a website for ASEAN 2010. Detailed information of Việt Nam’s preparation for ASEAN Chairmanship next year will be frequently updated on the website from now on.

I would like to take this opportunity to brief you on the programme for major ASEAN events next year. The 16^th ASEAN Summit is expected to be held in Hà Nội in April 2010. The 17^th ASEAN Summit and other related meetings will take place in Hà Nội in October 2010.

I look forward to hosting you in Việt Nam next year.