Phnom Penh (VNA) – In a world marked by escalating trade tensions and unpredictable developments, with ASEAN's centrality in the regional architecture, Vietnam has affirmed its active role in and sense of responsibility towards regional and global issues over nearly three decades of its membership of the bloc, Phnom Penh analysts highlighted during recent discussions with the Vietnam News Agency.
Uch Leang, Acting Director of the Asia-Africa and Middle East Research Department at the Cambodia Institute of International Relations under the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), said that Vietnam has performed well in ensuring ASEAN's stability, sustainability, and development. He highlighted Vietnam’s swift humanitarian assistance and deployment of rescuers following the deadly earthquake in Myanmar, another ASEAN member, in late March, and also underscored the country's good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and long-term sustainability in the relations with Cambodia.
Vietnam’s constructive diplomacy, he said, is evident in the wake of the May 28 border gunfight between Thailand and Cambodia. In a statement on May 29, the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson expressed confidence that all differences could be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means, in accordance with bilateral agreements, the spirit of ASEAN solidarity, and international law.
Referencing Vietnam's viewpoint, the Cambodian expert said that this demonstrates the country’s proactive, positive, and responsible spirit towards ASEAN as well as regional and international issues.
Meanwhile, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn described Vietnam as an important component in terms of politics, diplomacy, security, economy, culture, and society, making ASEAN stronger, more self-resilient, and more dynamic.
Echoing the view, President of the Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ) Puy Kea held that among the 10 ASEAN members, Vietnam is the third most populous country, after Indonesia and the Philippines. He also noted Vietnam has extensive historical experience with regional geopolitical issues and struggles against some major powers.
The CCJ President observed that amidst tensions among major powers and with its extremely important geopolitical location, the country holds a highly significant voice within the ASEAN framework across economic, political, and numerous other domains.
Under ASEAN’s consensus principle, all decisions by the regional organisation require unanimous agreement from all the 10 member states. According to him, while Vietnam and other countries all play important roles, recent times have witnessed continuous visits to Vietnam by leaders of major world powers including the US, China, France, and Russia, through various forms such as working visits, official visits, and state visits.
Vietnam’s growing importance boosts not just its own standing but also reinforces ASEAN's as a whole, the veteran journalist stated, adding Vietnam, as a neighbour of China, offers important insights on many issues, including seeking solutions to the East Sea disputes – an issue that Vietnam regularly raises and represents ASEAN’s collective solution at all forums./.
Vietnam actively promotes ASEAN integration initiatives
The meeting reviewed the implementation of Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) projects and discussed measures to enhance the effectiveness of IAI Work Plan IV (2021–2025).
