Vietnam, Laos contribute greatly to ASEAN Community building: Lao Deputy PM
Vietnam and Laos have made great contributions to the building of the ASEAN Community, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumasay Kommasith has affirmed.
Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumasay Kommasith. (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) - Vietnam and Laos have made great contributions tothe building of the ASEAN Community, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumasay Kommasith has affirmed.
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./.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Union of Friendship Organisations held a get-together on August 5 to mark 27 years of Vietnam's membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (July 28) and the 55th founding anniversary of the bloc (August 8).
Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son stressed the importance of dialogue, trust, and sense of responsibility while attending the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Phnom Penh on August 5.
Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son attended the 29th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) that took place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on August 5 within the framework of the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-55), and held several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event.
Opinions raised by Vietnam at the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-55) and related meetings, which took place in Cambodia from August 2-5, received support from other participating countries and were included in documents of the meetings, said Ambassador Vu Ho, acting head of ASEAN SOM Vietnam.
The 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-55) and related meetings have successfully concluded, with some 30 documents on regional cooperation adopted, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said on August 6.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumasay Kommasith. (Photo: VNA) 
