Formerly serving as Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia and Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN, Ambassador Hoang Anh Tuan said that General Secretary To Lam's visit to the ASEAN Secretariat and Indonesia this time is deeply symbolic. The Vietnam-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Framework is the "sweet fruit" of the journey of 7 decades of connection, opening up new cooperation horizons for the two countries with the same development goals and destinations, benefiting the people of the two countries and ASEAN as a whole.
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General Secretary To Lam and ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn planted a souvenir tree at the ASEAN Secretariat headquarters. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
How does the Ambassador assess the importance of the first visit of a senior Vietnamese leader to the ASEAN Secretariat – the coordinating center of the regional organization? At the same time, how does the Ambassador assess the solemn reception of ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to ASEAN, with an impressive cake-cutting ceremony witnessed by many senior officials?
General Secretary To Lam's visit to the ASEAN Secretariat has profound symbolic significance, demonstrating Vietnam's respect for ASEAN's central role and affirming Vietnam's strong commitment to the process of building a strong ASEAN Community.
This is the first time a top Vietnamese leader has visited the “administrative heart” of ASEAN, marking an important milestone in Vietnam-ASEAN cooperation after 30 years of companionship and development.
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| Ambassador Hoang Anh Tuan, former Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia, former Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN. (Photo: Anh Son) |
The solemn reception hosted by ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn, along with the solemn celebration, especially the cake-cutting ceremony, shows ASEAN's recognition of Vietnam's great contributions.
This affirms Vietnam's increasingly important position in the region and emphasizes the spirit of solidarity and cohesion of ASEAN.
Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has grown rapidly, from a new country joining ASEAN with many challenges, to becoming an active member, playing a leading role in many areas, from economics, trade to security and sustainable development.
Vietnam has actively participated in and promoted important initiatives, contributing to the common development of ASEAN, helping the organization maintain its central role in the regional structure.
The visit not only demonstrates Vietnam's strong commitment to accompanying ASEAN but also opens up new cooperation opportunities, helping to strengthen relations between Vietnam and ASEAN as well as with each member country.
This is an opportunity for Vietnam to reaffirm its strategic vision for ASEAN's future development, continuing to actively contribute to common goals, from economic growth, digital transformation to responding to regional and global challenges.
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General Secretary To Lam speaks at the ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary of Vietnam joining ASEAN. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
Speaking at the ASEAN Secretariat, General Secretary To Lam stressed that "Vietnam's rising status comes with greater responsibility towards ASEAN, the region and global issues". According to the Ambassador, how does this reflect Vietnam's commitment to strengthening ASEAN solidarity, as well as Vietnam's role and responsibility in regional and global issues?
Vietnam has always considered ASEAN a focus in its foreign policy, and is committed to making active and responsible contributions to the development of the region. As Vietnam’s international position has increasingly improved, its responsibility towards ASEAN, the region and the world has also increased, as demonstrated through the following three main aspects:
First, Vietnam actively promotes solidarity and consensus within ASEAN. In the context of increasing strategic competition among major powers, Vietnam plays a bridging role, helping ASEAN maintain its independent stance, balance interests and maintain its central role in the regional structure. Vietnam has proactively proposed initiatives to enhance intra-bloc cooperation, from strengthening ASEAN institutions to enhancing the ability to respond to traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
Second, Vietnam plays an important role in promoting economic integration and innovation in ASEAN. With its strengths in digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and high-tech supply chains, Vietnam can promote intra-bloc cooperation in building a cohesive digital economy, creating growth momentum for the region. Attracting high-quality investment and promoting cooperation in new technology areas will help ASEAN improve its competitiveness in the international arena.
Third, Vietnam demonstrates its responsibility in addressing regional and global issues such as climate change, food security, water security and cyber security. Vietnam proactively participates in multilateral cooperation mechanisms, promotes sustainable initiatives to protect the environment, develop renewable energy and strengthen the global governance system.
Thus, with its increasingly high position, Vietnam not only strengthens its role in ASEAN but also contributes to enhancing the region's prestige, affirming its commitment to a united, self-reliant and sustainably developing ASEAN.
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| Welcoming ceremony for General Secretary To Lam and his wife Ngo Phuong Ly and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on a state visit to the Republic of Indonesia at the Presidential Palace - Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Indonesia, on the afternoon of March 10. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
With the visit to Indonesia by General Secretary To Lam – the highest leader of the Party since General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit in 2017 – and the two countries officially upgrading their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, what do you think about the maturity and depth of Vietnam-Indonesia relations after 70 years of establishing diplomatic relations?
Vietnam and Indonesia have a traditional friendship, established and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and President Sukarno since the early days of independence. Over the past 70 years, this relationship has continuously developed, demonstrated through extensive cooperation in the fields of politics, economics, defense, security and maritime cooperation.
General Secretary To Lam’s visit marks a new step forward in bilateral relations, as the two countries officially upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This is not only an important diplomatic milestone but also demonstrates deep political trust, opening up opportunities for more comprehensive and long-term cooperation.
Economically , Indonesia is Vietnam's largest trading partner in ASEAN, with two-way trade continuing to grow, aiming for 18 billion USD by 2028. The two countries are expanding cooperation to areas such as digital economy, artificial intelligence, food security and energy, helping economic relations become increasingly substantive and sustainable.
In the field of defense and security , Vietnam and Indonesia strengthen cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism and peacekeeping. With an important strategic position, the two countries can jointly promote regional order based on international law, especially ensuring peace and stability in the East Sea.
In addition, people-to-people exchanges, educational and cultural cooperation are increasingly emphasized, creating a sustainable foundation for bilateral relations. More and more students, businesses and organizations of the two countries are seeking cooperation opportunities, demonstrating the strong ties between the two peoples. With a solid foundation and strong political determination, the Vietnam-Indonesia relationship is entering a new stage of development, more substantial and comprehensive, actively contributing to the peace, stability and common prosperity of ASEAN and the world.
Vietnam and Indonesia have similar development journeys, are both key members of ASEAN, and both aim to become developed countries by 2045 when they celebrate their 100th anniversary. Do you think that this similarity in strategic goals is a key factor to promote stronger bilateral relations in the future?
Vietnam and Indonesia have many similarities in their development journeys, not only as two major economies in Southeast Asia but also with a common goal: to become developed countries by 2045, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the country. This similarity is an important driving force for the bilateral relationship to become deeper and more substantive.
First, Vietnam and Indonesia both focus on industrialization, digital transformation, and green economic development. Sharing strategic goals enables the two countries to promote cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor supply chains, renewable energy, and e-commerce.
With the upgrade of relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the two countries have the opportunity to take advantage of their complementary strengths to achieve the bilateral trade turnover target of 18 billion USD by 2028.
Second , both countries play a central role in shaping the future of ASEAN. Vietnam and Indonesia not only share interests in strengthening intra-bloc solidarity, but also work closely to enhance ASEAN’s position in the international arena.
The two countries cooperate closely in maritime security, trade, climate change and food security, contributing to building a resilient and stable ASEAN.
Finally , the consensus on the development goals until 2045 not only helps Vietnam-Indonesia relations develop sustainably but also contributes to orienting ASEAN to become a dynamic, innovative region with stronger influence in the global economy.
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| General Secretary To Lam and President of the Republic of Indonesia, Chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) Prabowo Subianto chaired a press conference to inform about the results of the talks and officially announce the upgrading of Vietnam-Indonesia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
Indonesia is considered one of the pillars of ASEAN in many aspects. What are your expectations for the cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia in strengthening ASEAN's central role, ensuring the stability of the organization in the face of regional and global fluctuations, and contributing to making ASEAN a proud model of regional cooperation?
Vietnam and Indonesia are two pillars of ASEAN, playing an important role in strengthening the solidarity, stability and development of the organization. Upgrading bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is the foundation for the two countries to cooperate extensively and strengthen ASEAN's central role in the region.
First of all, Vietnam and Indonesia share the vision of a resilient, unified and leading ASEAN. The two countries work together to maintain the principles of consensus, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for international law, thereby helping ASEAN stand firm in the face of regional and global fluctuations.
In addition, economic cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia creates an important driving force for intra-bloc growth. Both countries are committed to expanding trade, investment, green economy, digital transformation and high technology. The goal of increasing bilateral trade turnover to 18 billion USD by 2028 will not only promote bilateral relations but also contribute to improving ASEAN's competitiveness in the international market.
Regarding regional security, Vietnam and Indonesia promote cooperation in the East Sea, cyber security and response to non-traditional challenges. The two countries support the maintenance of peace and stability through multilateral mechanisms such as ASEAN, the United Nations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum. (APEC), helping to strengthen the organization's unity and strength.
Finally, cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, education, science and technology will contribute to building a more cohesive ASEAN community. Joint initiatives by Vietnam and Indonesia not only strengthen ASEAN’s centrality but also make the organization a proud model of regional cooperation.
Thank you very much Ambassador!
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