Hanoi reinforces regional cooperation with ASEAN cities

The year 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of Vietnam's joining ASEAN (1995-2020) with great pride in the nation’s important contributions to the overall success of ASEAN. As the national capital, Hanoi has always emphasized its pioneering, accompanying and contributing roles throughout the journey of Vietnam's participation in ASEAN.

The cooperation between Hanoi and ASEAN partners has been more and more deep over the years,  in many fields such as sustainable urban development, urban traffic management, smart city, urban greenery, heritage conservation, and investment – trade – tourism cooperation. Photo: VNA

On the basis of Vietnam's efforts to constantly consolidate and promote bilateral cooperation with ASEAN countries, Hanoi also focuses on reinforcing regional cooperation with the capitals, cities and localities of ASEAN countries, contributing to creating a united ASEAN Community for mutual development. Hanoi has signed memorandums of establishment of friendship and official cooperation relations with the capitals of other countries (Bangkok, Vientiane, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Jakarta and Phnom Penh) as well as promoted regularly exchanges of senior delegations to seek cooperation opportunities and enhance mutual understanding.

On the basis of the strengths of each country, the cooperation between Hanoi and ASEAN partners has been more and more deep over the years, in many fields such as sustainable urban development, urban traffic management, smart city, urban greenery, heritage conservation, and investment – trade – tourism cooperation.

Hanoi continues to take the lead in participating in and contributing to multilateral activities within the ASEAN framework. Hanoi has been an active member since the early days of the Meeting of Governors/Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC), an annual regional forum since 2013 with the aim of building a forum for dialogue among leaders of the ASEAN capitals, strengthening local cooperation on the three pillars of the ASEAN Community.

In 2018, Hanoi took part in and supported ASEAN capitals’ initiatives to strengthen regional cooperation, including the ASEAN City Council Meeting initiated by Bangkok and the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) proposed by Singapore.

Hanoi also promotes exchange, sharing and mutual support with capitals of member countries in the framework of a joint international organization network such as the Asian Network of Major Cities in the 21st Century (ANMC 21), Council for Promoting Tourism in Asia (CPTA) and has cooperated with Bangkok (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Manila (the Philippines), Singapore (Singapore) and Yangon (Myanmar).

With the active participation in multilateral cooperation and dialogue forums, Hanoi has affirmed its role as an important, active and responsible member, contributing to enhancing the capital’s reputation and position in the region and in the international arena.

The capital has participated in coordination and made significant contributions to the success of the ASEAN Summits and many major international events taking place in Hanoi, such as the first ASEAN Summit in Hanoi in 1998, the ASEAN Summits and Meetings in 2010, and the World Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF ASEAN) in 2018. Under the direction of the Commission for Foreign Relations of the Party Central Committee, Government Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hanoi has prepared facilities, logistics and security measures to respectfully receive delegates from different countries. The successful meeting sessions have also contributed to introducing and promoting the image of' Hanoi to international friends.

In the near future, to enhance understanding and trust among member countries and strengthen internal solidarity in the community, Hanoi aims to continue promoting the achieved results and making every effort for the future of a united and strong ASEAN Community, affirming ASEAN's leading role in maintaining a peaceful and secure environment in the region.