Vietnam is committed to further contributing to ASEAN in maintaining a peaceful environment for development and prosperity, in line with the bloc's theme for 2023, "ASEAN Matters: Epicenter of Growth".

State President Vo Van Thuong and ambassadors from ASEAN countries in Hanoi. Source: VNA

President Vo Van Thuong made the remarks at a meeting with ASEAN ambassadors on April 17.

On behalf of ASEAN ambassadors in Hanoi, Indonesian Ambassador Denny Abdi conveyed greetings and good wishes from the leaders of Indonesia and ASEAN to President Vo Van Thuong.

The Ambassador acknowledged Vietnam's significant role in strengthening ASEAN's solidarity and centrality over the past 28 years and in shaping the ASEAN Community Vision Beyond 2025. He also highlighted Vietnam's impressive GDP growth rate of 8.02% in 2022, which is expected to provide further impetus to regional economic development.

The Indonesian Ambassador pledged his country's active support and effective contribution to promoting Vietnam-ASEAN relations. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of President Vo Van Thuong, the friendly and cooperative relations between Vietnam and ASEAN member countries will continue to strengthen and develop comprehensively, making important contributions to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region.

President Vo Van Thuong expressed great interest in this year's ASEAN theme, "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth," which reflects ASEAN's pivotal role in the region and the common aspiration for peace, prosperity, and harmony among ASEAN member countries. The President reiterated that Vietnam would stand by the ASEAN chairmanship in 2023 and work with other members to achieve these goals.

Thuong stressed that ASEAN has a special position and is integral to Vietnam's foreign policy. "Solidarity, flexibility, harmony, and inclusiveness are the "golden keys" that will unlock the door to a new regional space with ASEAN at its center, for the successful implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and beyond, with a spirit of community among the people," Thuong said.

The President reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to maintaining strong relations with Southeast Asian neighbors. Vietnam and Southeast Asian countries have closely cooperated in various important fields such as defense and security, economy, trade, investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges. The strong cooperation has also expanded to new areas suitable for the 4.0 industrial era, such as innovation, digital transformation, digital connectivity, circular economy, green economy, and clean energy.

The President expressed his hope that the ambassadors will continue to play an essential role as a bridge to promote friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and ASEAN member states.

On the occasion of the traditional New Year celebrations in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand, and the holy month of Ramadan in Muslim countries, President Vo Van Thuong extended his warmest wishes to the leaders and people of these countries.