Vietnam Enhances International Presence as ASEAN Bridge

Vietnam is increasingly strengthening its role as a 'bridge' in the international arena, leveraging its rapid economic growth and favorable geostrategic position. This is underpinned by its ability to maintain ASEAN solidarity and mediate diverse national interests. A recent highlight was Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's keynote address at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue on May 29, a leading defense and security forum in Asia. This marked the first time Vietnam's top leader delivered a significant speech at a multilateral event on regional security, symbolizing Vietnam's growing international stature. He emphasized the importance of maritime security and cooperation amid challenges to international law and multilateralism, advocating for the principles of the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) as a guiding code of conduct. In diplomacy, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung held bilateral meetings with counterparts from Panama, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Qatar, the Philippines, the European Union (EU), and Norway on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-59) in the Philippines. These engagements demonstrate Vietnam's commitment to deepening relations with a broad spectrum of countries and its cooperative stance on global issues. Domestically, over a year of administrative reforms has led to clearer functions, responsibilities, and authorities for state agencies, while also strengthening the role of grassroots authorities. This indicates Vietnam's pursuit of efficient and transparent governance. Against the backdrop of economic growth and global integration, Vietnam views the United States as one of its key partners and anticipates further development in bilateral relations. The nation also values its relationships with neighboring countries, celebrating 50 years of ties with Thailand. The ASEAN Secretary-General has lauded Vietnam as an important and constructive member over the past three decades and expects it to play an active role in advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The upcoming official visit of the President of the Cambodian National Assembly to Vietnam further signals deepening regional cooperation. Vietnam is also advancing humanitarian efforts, utilizing science and technology, particularly next-generation gene sequencing, to aid in identifying the remains of fallen soldiers. Through these activities, Vietnam is steadily expanding its influence in the international community, balancing stable political foundations under its one-party system with open economic policies. While China is not directly mentioned in these reports, Vietnam's role as an ASEAN 'bridge' can be interpreted as part of its diplomatic strategy to maximize national interests by navigating between major powers. Source: VietnamPlus English