Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam Nguyen Quoc Dung (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamwants ASEAN to unite in all aspects, from institutions to economy and humanresources, which is very important for ASEAN to uphold its central role, said DeputyForeign Minister and Head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam Nguyen Quoc Dung.
The diplomat recently granted aninterview to the press on the country’s role and position in 2020, when Vietnamwill serve the double roles of Chair of ASEAN and non-permanent member of the UNSecurity Council, which is both an honour and a heavy task.
According to Deputy FM Dung, thetheme of Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020 is “Cohesive and Responsive,”which reflects Vietnam’s wish to have an ASEAN standing firmly against impactsof regional and international situations.
When uniting, ASEAN will share acommon stance and interests, and respond in a consistent manner to regional andglobal issues, Dung said.
Asked about preparations for Vietnam’sASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020, the Deputy FM said Vietnam will promote fivepriorities, first of all bringing into play ASEAN’s role and positivecontribution in maintaining a peaceful, security and stable environment in theregion.
The second priority is enhancing linkages andconnectivity in the region, as well as adaptability to the Fourth IndustrialRevolution; and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in economics,finance and society based on innovation and the application of digital and newtechnologies.
The third priority is to promotethe sense of community and ASEAN characteristics, create common values of ASEANand popularize those values among ASEAN people, thus raising awareness of theASEAN Community and the image of the community in the region and the world.
Fourthly, strengtheningpartnership relations for peace and sustainable development with countries, andincreasing ASEAN’s role and contribution in the international community.
The fifth priority is toimproving ASEAN apparatus’s adaptability and operation efficiency.
Deputy FM Dung noted thatassuming two roles at the same time means more tasks but thereare also some advantages. He pointed out that as ASEAN Chair, Vietnam can work for ASEAN consensus, thusadding more weight to its voice in the UN Security. Meanwhile, UN programmesand plans will be better implemented by ASEAN, and the bloc’s plans will bemore aligned with the UN’s.
He added that as the situationnow is very different from when Vietnam chaired the ASEAN for the first time in2010, the country will face both new difficulties as well as have newadvantages in the task./.
VNA
