Vietnam and ASEAN continue to write new success stories in the modern era

Three decades ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN was a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the nation’s integration process and marking the beginning of a vigorous journey of growth.

Over the past thirty years, this path has vividly demonstrated the vision and political resolve of our Party and State in building and strengthening a peaceful, cooperative environment for development. Vietnam joined ASEAN in the spirit of friendship and with a strong sense of responsibility.

A historic decision, a strategic vision

In the early 1990s, Vietnam stood at a historic turning point in its reform journey - striving to overcome a socio-economic crisis while gradually breaking the long-standing isolation and embargo.

In that context, diplomacy was identified as a strategic breakthrough to build a peaceful, stable, and cooperative environment - starting with the region - to help the country emerge from crisis and open up new space for development.

Diplomatic principles deeply imbued with Ho Chi Minh’s legacy, such as “more friends, fewer enemies,” “befriend all nations,” and “unchanging in principles, adaptable to circumstances”, were applied flexibly and creatively in the new reality, guiding Vietnam’s renewed diplomatic thinking. On that foundation, the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralization was gradually established and steadfastly pursued.

Amid the powerful currents of change in the post–Cold War era, Southeast Asian nations soon recognized that only by strengthening linkages and consolidating collective strength could they stand firm and advance toward development. Historical “knots” in regional relations were gradually untangled, becoming catalysts for reconciliation, cohesion, and cooperation. The barriers of the past slowly gave way to trust and goodwill, bringing countries closer together in a shared effort for peace, stability, and progress.

The meeting of Vietnam’s aspiration for reform with ASEAN’s desire to expand cooperation, converging with the global trend of peace and development, created a moment of “timely opportunity, favorable conditions, and shared harmony.” Joining ASEAN was not merely a diplomatic step, but a proactive and courageous strategic choice by our Party and State, accompanied by a comprehensive renewal in both thinking and action: taking integration as the driving force, the region as the foundation, and cooperation as the pathway to stable and long-term development.

The history of our nation has witnessed - and will continue to witness - turning points, among which Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN will forever be remembered as a decision of strategic vision, contemporary significance, and intellectual foresight, marking the country’s transformation into an active, positive, and responsible member of both the region and the world.

Vietnam’s resolve and mark within ASEAN

Vietnam’s foremost and consistent contribution has been its effort to strengthen unity and consensus - the core values that define ASEAN’s success and identity. In a region diverse in interests, political systems, and levels of development, consensus does not stem from similarity but is built through consultation, trust, and shared responsibility.

With a balanced and goodwill approach, Vietnam has helped harmonize differences and increase common ground, maintaining ASEAN’s unified voice on regional strategic issues based on the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.

If consensus is the result of a shared vision, then action is the measure of effectiveness. In this regard, Vietnam has performed well as a bridge between policy and practice, addressing the practical interests of citizens, businesses, and localities. Notably, our approach of “putting people at the center - as the goal and driving force of community-building” has been adopted as a guiding principle throughout the ASEAN 2045 framework.

Vietnam has also contributed to deepening ASEAN’s relations with its partners, strengthening ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture, and promoting ASEAN’s participation in global agendas, ranging from emerging growth areas such as digital transformation, renewable energy, and science and technology, to cross-border issues like climate change, pandemics, maritime security, and food security.

Linking regional common concerns with global ones, Vietnam has pioneered many initiatives, notably the success of the ASEAN Futures Forum over the past two years, which has opened comprehensive policy dialogue opportunities on new trends, helping shape long-term cooperative thinking and solutions.

Ready for ASEAN’s new journey

Thirty years ago, Vietnam made a historic strategic decision to join ASEAN. In a world full of uncertainties, Vietnam once again faces a timely opportunity—" timely opportunity, favorable conditions, and shared harmony”—to contribute more to ASEAN in this new era.

The country’s position and strength have increased after nearly 40 years of renovation, driven by the aspiration for a breakthrough from this era of national awakening. Alongside this is the international community’s confidence in Vietnam’s role, prestige, and leadership capacity in cooperative processes. ASEAN is also entering a new phase with its Vision 2045, continuing to affirm itself as a successful model of peace, stability, and cooperation. On this foundation, we have identified five key orientations to further participate in ASEAN’s success-building.

First, maintaining a strategic space for peace and stability. Vietnam must continue working with other nations to strengthen consensus, build strategic trust, uphold ASEAN’s central role, promote principles and norms of conduct, and emphasize the rule of law.

Second, expanding the economic space by promoting initiatives to tap into the intra-ASEAN market, effectively utilizing free trade agreements with partners, and diversifying connections with dynamic and promising partners.

Third, building an innovation space where ASEAN becomes a destination for breakthrough ideas and solutions based on digital transformation, science and technology, and innovation.

Fourth, shaping an inclusive development space where people, businesses, and localities fairly enjoy the benefits and are given greater opportunities to participate deeply in the community-building process.

Finally, connecting the cultural and social space enriches the Community’s identity and strengthens friendship and understanding among the peoples of member countries. This is the intrinsic strength that binds the community together and creates a solid foundation for a united, sharing, and cohesive ASEAN.

Looking back over the past 30 years, every commitment, action, and initiative has illustrated a proactive, responsible Vietnam striving wholeheartedly for ASEAN. This journey is not only about integration but also about affirming resilience, spreading values, and sharing a common future with the region.

Entering the new phase with a renewed mindset and fresh resolve, Vietnam will continue to accompany other countries in building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN Community.