Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung (Photo: VNA)Singapore (VNA) - As Chair of theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2020, Vietnam will beresponsible for promoting and increasing ASEAN’s interests and prosperity, VietnameseDeputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung has said.
Speaking at a workshop in Singapore on December17 on Vietnam’s role as Chair of ASEAN in 2020, the Deputy Minister said inorder to fulfill its responsibilities, Vietnam has set out five priorities for2020.
The first priority is strengthening intra-blocsolidarity and unity, contributing to promoting peace, security and stabilityin the region, as well as dealing with emerging challenges promptly andeffectively.
The second one is to enhance integration andconnectivity inside and outside the region towards sustainable and inclusivedevelopment, and optimise opportunities from the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The third priority is promoting ASEAN’sawareness and identity via creating shared values and cultivating a sense ofcommunity.
The fourth one is deepening partnerships forpeace and sustainable development with countries all over the world.
Last but not least is enhancing ASEAN’s capacityand institutional effectiveness, according to Dung.
Discussions at the workshop focused onadvantages and challenges facing the bloc after 52 years of establishment anddevelopment.
Founded in 1967, ASEAN now groups 10 membercountries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, thePhilippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam./.
VNA
