PM Pham Minh Chinh marks ASEAN’s 58th anniversary, highlights Vietnam’s 30-year journey in bloc

“On the occasion of the 58th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN, on behalf of Party General Secretary To Lam and other leaders of the Vietnamese Party and state, I would like to extend our warmest greetings, best regards, and sincere congratulations to all ASEAN leaders and people,” he wrote.

PM Chinh praised ASEAN’s growth in stature and influence over the past 58 years, noting its role as a dynamic, consensus-based region and a center of global growth.

Reflecting on Vietnam’s three decades in the bloc, he said the country has matured alongside ASEAN, benefiting from the wholehearted and sincere support of fellow member states.

He reaffirmed Vietnam’s goal of becoming a high-income developed nation by 2045, in line with the shared vision of the ASEAN Community.

“We hope to receive continued support from our ASEAN partners in realizing this vision.

“Vietnam will remain steadfast in pursuing a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralization, being a good friend and a reliable partner to all countries, and a responsible member of the international community, for the goal of peace, cooperation, and development regionally and globally,” he stated.

Vietnam, he said, will “continue contributing to building a united, consensus-based ASEAN, advancing rapid and sustainable development driven by science, technology, and innovation.”

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country chairs ASEAN in 2025, lauded Vietnam as an indispensable pillar of the bloc.

PM Ibrahim cited Vietnam’s leadership during its 2010 and 2020 chairmanships, particularly during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, as proof of its steady leadership and future-oriented vision.

Under Vietnam’s guidance, he said, ASEAN maintained cohesion, strengthened ties with major partners, and upheld its inclusive, outward-looking identity.

Vietnam also played a key role in enhancing ASEAN’s global standing, the top Malaysian leader added.

Looking ahead, PM Ibrahim emphasized that ASEAN must deliver tangible results to bolster resilience and sustainability, with decisive action on sustainable energy development, digital innovation, food security, and climate change adaptation.

“Vietnam’s journey over the past three decades shows what nations can achieve when they share vision, trust, and commitment,” PM Ibrahim said, expressing confidence that Malaysia and Vietnam would stand “shoulder to shoulder” in serving the region and its people.