Hanoi (VNA) – Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh has commended Vietnam’s practical and constructive contributions to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s development and its growing global stature in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to the bloc (July 28, 1995-2025).
The diplomat noted that since Vietnam became an ASEAN member on July 28 1995, Vietnam has affirmed its role as a dynamic, responsible, and increasingly influential member of the group, deeply integrated into regional processes and pivotal in building a united, resilient, and sustainably developed ASEAN Community.
She praised Vietnam’s consistent commitment to ASEAN’s principles and its role as a mediator in resolving complicated regional issues across ASEAN’s three pillars - political-security, economic, and socio-cultural. The ambassador also highlighted Vietnam’s successful hosting of ASEAN Summits, its active role in shaping the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, and its support for broader cooperation mechanisms like Mekong sub-regional initiatives.
According to the ambassador, Vietnam has helped strengthen intra-ASEAN solidarity, narrow development gaps, and elevate the bloc’s international position. The country has proven to be a trusted partner, reliable friend, and strong advocate for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Summing up, Khamphao affirmed that over the past 30 years, Vietnam has consistently been an active and proactive member with an influential and responsible voice in ASEAN, advancing strategic goals and helping the bloc respond to regional and global challenges.
On Vietnam–Laos cooperation within ASEAN, the ambassador noted that the two nations have maintained close coordination and mutual support, especially in regional and international forums. Their collaboration has been particularly evident in joint efforts to uphold ASEAN's centrality and consensus.
She added that the two countries have conducted regular bilateral consultations before ASEAN Summits to exchange views on key regional issues. They have also promoted Mekong sub-regional connectivity and policies targeting sustainable and inclusive development, contributing to balanced growth within ASEAN.
Khamphao highlighted that Vietnam and Laos have supported each other during their ASEAN Chairmanship terms, ensuring the success of major ASEAN meetings. Their partnership has continued to advance ASEAN’s shared values of solidarity, strength, shared responsibility, and a unified voice on global affairs, she said.
The Lao ambassador expressed her confidence that with the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries as a foundation, Vietnam and Laos will continue to accompany and actively contribute to ASEAN’s progress, turning it into an organisation playing a central role in ensuring peace, stability, and development in the region.
As ASEAN prepares for a new development phase under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, Khamphao described 2025 as a historic turning point, marking the end of the current plans to build the ASEAN Community and the beginning of a new strategic era.
In this context, Vietnam holds a strategic and leadership role, she said, highlighting Vietnam’s active participation in shaping the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, aiming for a peaceful, stable, resilient, innovative, and sustainable ASEAN Community.
Vietnam, she noted, serves as a bridge among member states, reinforcing unity and consensus across ASEAN’s political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars. It has championed regional connectivity, institutional capacity building, and development gap reduction, ensuring no member is left behind.
Moreover, Vietnam has been a leading force in strengthening ASEAN’s external relations and enhancing the bloc’s central role in the regional architecture.
Khamphao concluded by expressing her confidence that Vietnam will continue to be a proactive and responsible contributor, working with fellow members to realise ASEAN’s development goals and the aspirations of its people./.
VNA
