Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumasay Kommasith. (Photo: VNA)Granting an interview to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s correspondentsin Laos on the occasion of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s 55th founding anniversary (August8), Saleumasay said that Vietnam joined ASEAN in 1995, andtwo years later, Laos also became a member of the group.
Since then, the two countries have become active members,making important contributions to the bloc's policy and vision making.
Regarding the building of the ASEAN Economic Community, hesaid that Vietnam is a major country and plays an important role in the region, andhas relations with many countries, especially great powers, which is also itsdirect contribution to the ASEAN Economic Community’s important role in theregion and the world as well.
Since their admission to ASEAN, Vietnam has assumed the role as ASEAN Chairthrice, while Laos will take on the position for the third time in 2024. Duringthese times, both Laos and Vietnam have stressed the central leadership role ofASEAN.
The two countries’ initiatives have brought common intereststo other ASEAN countries and have been considered important strides towards thebuilding of a strong and united ASEAN community, he stated.
According to the Lao Deputy PM, ASEAN's greatest achievementto date has been peace and stability thanks to mutual understanding,which laid the foundation for peace and stability for the Asian-Pacific regionas well as ASEAN.
He also stressed the need for ASEAN to continue maintainingits central role and consensus stance in solving challenges./.
VNA
