Lao Ambassador to Vietnam: ASEAN

Báo Quốc TếBáo Quốc Tế22/02/2025

"By focusing on sustainable development, innovation and regional solidarity, ASEAN is poised to create a prosperous and inclusive future for its people," Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh emphasized to TG&VN when assessing ASEAN's steadfast goal towards the future amid many fluctuations.


ASEAN - một thể thống nhất giữa thế giới phân mảnh, 'dám' cam kết mạnh mẽ v
The 44th ASEAN Summit in Laos, October 2024. (Source: VGP)

What are your expectations for the "initiative festival" - ASEAN Future Forum 2025 and Vietnam's efforts in maintaining the initiative and organizing the Forum?

The ASEAN Future Forum 2025 will be a key platform to address regional challenges and foster cooperation among member states. The forum focuses on key areas such as sustainable development, digital transformation for sustainable peace, smart agriculture for regional food security, climate resilience and economic integration.

In addition, the Forum should also focus on viable strategies to enhance regional connectivity, promote innovation and ensure inclusive growth, especially in the post-pandemic recovery phase. In addition, this is an opportunity to consolidate ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific region and strengthen ASEAN’s partnerships.

ASEAN - một thể thống nhất giữa thế giới phân mảnh, 'dám' cam kết mạnh mẽ v
Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh. (Photo: Embassy)

Vietnam has always demonstrated a proactive and leading role in ASEAN. Its efforts in organizing and contributing to regional initiatives are commendable. Vietnam prioritizes sustainable development, promoting the digital economy and climate action, in line with ASEAN’s broader goals.

Vietnam's role in promoting consensus among member states and commitment to promoting multilateralism has strengthened ASEAN's unity and global position.

However, challenges remain, such as ensuring equitable benefits from regional integration and addressing disparities among member states. Vietnam’s continued focus on inclusive policies and capacity building will be important in driving ASEAN’s overall progress.

Overall, the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 is an opportunity for Vietnam to demonstrate its leading role and contribute to shaping a resilient and forward-looking ASEAN Community. By leveraging its strengths and narrowing existing gaps, Vietnam can further consolidate its role as a key driver of regional cooperation and development.

In the context of the changing world and regional situation, according to the Ambassador, what role does ASEAN play in promoting peace and stability in the region as well as inspiring cooperation and valuing multilateralism globally?

In the current volatile international context, ASEAN plays an important role in promoting peace, stability and multilateralism in the region as well as the world. As a cohesive bloc, ASEAN has always maintained the principles of dialogue, consensus building and non-interference, playing an important role in maintaining regional stability in the context of geopolitical tensions.

By promoting platforms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN encourages constructive dialogue among major powers, reduces the risk of conflict, and promotes mutual understanding.

ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific region is a cornerstone for promoting cooperation. Initiatives such as the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific emphasize inclusiveness, transparency and respect for international law, providing a framework for peaceful coexistence and cooperation.

In addition, ASEAN’s efforts to address non-traditional security challenges, such as climate change, pandemics and maritime security, demonstrate ASEAN’s commitment to collective action and resilience building.

Globally, ASEAN serves as a model for multilateralism by connecting diverse perspectives and fostering partnerships. Its ability to engage with external partners through mechanisms such as ASEAN+3 and the ASEAN-EU dialogue demonstrates ASEAN’s role as a unified entity in a fragmented world.

By championing open regionalism and inclusive growth, ASEAN not only strengthens its community but also inspires global cooperation, demonstrating that multilateralism remains essential in addressing common challenges and ensuring a stable, prosperous future.

ASEAN - một thể thống nhất giữa thế giới phân mảnh, 'dám' cam kết mạnh mẽ v
Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam, had a friendly meeting with the Executive Committee of the ASEAN Women's Community Group in Hanoi (AWCH) in October 2024. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

From ASEAN Community Vision 2025 to ASEAN Community Vision 2045, how does the Ambassador assess ASEAN's tireless efforts to shape the future?

ASEAN’s strategy from Community Vision 2025 to Vision 2045 reflects the bloc’s commitment to long-term development and regional integration. Vision 2025 has laid a solid foundation by focusing on three pillars: Political-Security Community, Economic Community and Socio-Cultural Community. This vision emphasizes resilience, inclusiveness and sustainable growth, promoting deeper cooperation among member states.

Vision 2045 extends these achievements to address new challenges such as digital transformation, climate change and geopolitical shifts. By extending the timeline, ASEAN demonstrates its strategic thinking approach in responding to global changes while maintaining its core values ​​of consensus and non-interference in internal affairs.

Vision 2045 also emphasizes the need to strengthen ASEAN's central role in the Indo-Pacific region, ensuring the bloc's relevance in an increasingly complex global context.

ASEAN’s continued efforts reflect its ability to balance diversity and unity, leveraging the strengths of its member states to achieve common progress. However, challenges remain, including disparities in development levels and the need for a stronger institutional framework. Moving forward, ASEAN must enhance its capacity to implement initiatives effectively and ensure that benefits are distributed equitably.

In short, ASEAN’s evolution from Vision 2025 to Vision 2045 demonstrates the Association’s resilience and adaptability. By focusing on sustainable development, innovation and regional solidarity, ASEAN is poised to create a prosperous and inclusive future for its people.

ASEAN - một thể thống nhất giữa thế giới phân mảnh, 'dám' cam kết mạnh mẽ v
The second plenary session with the theme "Ensuring comprehensive security for a people-centered ASEAN Community" at the ASEAN Future Forum 2024 in April 2024. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

What impresses you most about Vietnam's journey to join ASEAN over the past three decades? What are your expectations for Vietnam's efforts in promoting the achievement of the Community's strategic goals, including the 2045 vision?

Vietnam’s 30-year journey as an ASEAN member has been marked by significant efforts and positive contributions to regional integration. Most notably, Vietnam has transformed into a dynamic, proactive member, always supporting ASEAN unity and centrality. Economic growth, driven by reforms and integration, has made Vietnam one of the fastest growing economies in the region, contributing significantly to ASEAN’s collective strength. In addition, Vietnam’s leadership during its ASEAN Chairmanship years, especially in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, has demonstrated its ability to foster consensus and initiatives such as the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework.

Vietnam’s commitment to ASEAN’s strategic goals, including the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, is reflected in its focus on sustainable development, digital transformation and climate change response. As a bridge between ASEAN and its global partners, Vietnam has significantly enhanced regional cooperation and connectivity. Vietnam’s proactive approach to issues such as maritime security and green energy is fully aligned with ASEAN’s long-term priorities.

Looking ahead, I expect Vietnam to continue to leverage its strategic location, economic potential and diplomatic capabilities to advance ASEAN’s goals. By promoting innovation, inclusive growth and regional solidarity, Vietnam can help shape a resilient and forward-looking ASEAN Community.

Vietnam’s efforts to promote deeper integration and address emerging challenges will be crucial in realizing Vision 2045, ensuring that ASEAN remains a cohesive and influential force on the international stage.

Thank you very much Ambassador!



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