 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the conference on December 11, 2020. (Photo: VGP) |
“By strong will, determination and actions of the ASEAN Community, effective cooperation between with partners, the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020 has been a complete and substantial success with a record number of adopted documents and Vietnam’s initiatives and priorities becoming a common asset of the bloc," said Mr. Phuc.
He went on to say, "We have succeeded in ensuring security and safety and receptions held in high esteem, as well as popularizing the images of peaceful and stable ASEAN Community and Vietnam to international friends. Vietnam has proudly succeeded in hosting the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and the eighth meeting of the Council of ASEAN Chief Justices. This reflected Vietnam’s solid socialist state of law centering on the people.”
 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and ASEAN affair officials (Photo: VGP) |
With all adopted regional strategies, the Prime Minister said the ASEAN Chairmanship Year’s theme “Cohesive and Responsive” suited the circumstance, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He reviewed progress in the building of ASEAN Community in the spirit of maintaining its central role.
“Under the direction of Vietnam, ASEAN actively and flexibly harmonized differences between member countries to uphold the grouping’s image of unity and consensus. Throughout 25 years of ASEAN membership, Vietnam has made important contributions to the grouping and become a crucial member building rules in ASEAN and the region. Vietnam has shown its role as an active ASEAN member and a strong, trustworthy and special mainstay, especially at a time when ASEAN has to face challenges like COVID-19 pandemic at present,” according to Mr. Phuc.
Looking back on ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020, the Prime Minister mentioned invaluable lessons, including unified directions of the Party and State leaders and their close watch on national external activities this year, tapping the collective power of the entire political system, social organizations and people to contribute to the success of the year.