ASEAN Marks 59th Founding Anniversary, Vietnam Pledges Enhanced Regional Cooperation and Economic Growth

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with representatives from various ministries, agencies, diplomatic corps, and international organizations, held a solemn ASEAN flag-raising ceremony in Hanoi to mark the bloc's 59th founding anniversary. The ceremony symbolized ASEAN's solidarity, unity, and centrality amidst a complex global landscape, while reaffirming Vietnam's commitment to fostering a united, resilient, innovative, and people-centered ASEAN Community. Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung emphasized the ASEAN Flag as a symbol of shared identity, solidarity, and common aspirations. He highlighted the significance of the ceremony coinciding with Vietnam's commemoration of the August Revolution, underscoring the enduring values of independence, self-reliance, solidarity, and cooperation. Minister Trung recalled ASEAN's historic choice 59 years ago to prioritize dialogue and cooperation over division and confrontation. He noted ASEAN's evolution into a community of peace, progress, and shared prosperity, built on decades of stability, a $3.9 trillion economy, and a population of nearly 700 million. ASEAN is emerging as a dynamic single market driven by integration, innovation, connectivity, and competitiveness. He stated that resilience remains the cornerstone of ASEAN's strength, enabling it to navigate geopolitical uncertainties, safeguard shared interests, and preserve strategic autonomy. As ASEAN commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, its core principles continue to underpin the bloc's unity, centrality, and commitment to regional peace, stability, and cooperation. Strengthening resilience, according to the Minister, requires enhancing economic security, social foundations, and adaptability, with the steadfast support and cooperation of ASEAN's partners. A forward-looking ASEAN, he added, must anticipate change, drive innovation, develop human capital, and responsibly harness emerging technologies to remain competitive and agile. By building trust and deepening cooperation, ASEAN can further enhance its role as a contributor to regional stability and a shaper of the regional order. For Vietnam, ASEAN is a strategic priority and a central pillar of its foreign policy. As Vietnam pursues its national development goals of becoming a modern industrialized nation by 2030 and a developed high-income country by 2045, its future is intrinsically linked to ASEAN's collective success. A stronger ASEAN presents greater opportunities for Vietnam, and a stronger Vietnam can contribute more meaningfully to ASEAN. Vietnam pledged to continue growing with ASEAN and contributing to the shared vision of a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN Community.