The ASEAN flag is hosted at Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Photo: VNA)

Ambasador Ratnam said Vietnam has played a pivotal role in safeguarding ASEAN’s centrality. ASEAN is a top priority of Vietnam’s foreign policy, he noted. Vietnam has taken steps to ensure that ASEAN leads in addressing regional and global challenges, not just in words, but through specific actions.

The Ambassador highlighted Vietnam’s 2020 ASEAN chairmanship as a clear demonstration of its leadership, particularly in fostering effective cooperation mechanisms to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

He praised Vietnam’s steadfast commitment to defending a rules-based international order amid growing global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.