Vietnam’s future path hinges on ASEAN robust development: Party Chief

The next phase for Vietnam and Malaysia, for their bilateral relations, and for securing a fair, open international system grounded in international law, depends largely on the robust development of ASEAN.

General Secretary To Lam during his visit to University of Malaya. Photos: VNA

General Secretary To Lam stressed this view in his speech on foreign affairs at the University of Malaya on November 22, as part of his visit to Malaysia.

In his welcoming remarks, Professor Dató Seri Noor Azuan Abu Osman, President of the University of Malaya, expressed his pride and honor to welcome General Secretary To Lam to the University of Malaya, Malaysia's oldest and most prestigious university. He said that this visit symbolizes the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Malaysia and demonstrates a shared commitment to fostering collaboration for global prosperity.

Professor Noor Azuan emphasized the significance of General Secretary To Lam's visit and address,  which underscored the deepening ties not only between the two nations but also among their academic and cultural institutions. He affirmed the University of Malaya's readiness to play a pivotal role in strengthening these ties by serving as a bridge for knowledge sharing, research, and innovation.

For his part, General Secretary To Lam expressed his honor to visit and speak at Malaysia's renowned university, a symbol of the nation's educational system and one of the leading intellectual centers in the ASEAN region.

With over a century of history, the University of Malaya has cultivated generations of exceptional talent, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and four other Malaysian prime ministers.

General Secretary To Lam stated that Vietnam's upcoming development priorities are centered on achieving the goals of the country's centennial under the Communist Party's leadership by 2030 and the centennial of the nation's founding by 2045.

These include an unwavering commitment to independence, self-reliance, and self-confidence while fostering multilateral and diversified relations for peace, cooperation, and comprehensive and deep international integration, said the Party Chief, adding Vietnam also aims to make greater contributions to global politics, economy, and human civilization.

The General Secretary stressed that Vietnam's development path is inextricably linked to regional and global progress.

“Vietnam cannot achieve its strategic objectives without disinterested international solidarity, valuable support, and effective cooperation of the global community, particularly   Malaysia and ASEAN partners,” he said.

Throughout their shared history, Vietnam and Malaysia have collaborated, supported, and grown together. Trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries go back centuries. Malaysia and its relationship with Vietnam have always held a strategic position in Vietnam's foreign policy.

As long-standing nations in Southeast Asia, Vietnam, and Malaysia share profound strategic similarities. Both cherish independence, freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, having endured colonial rule. Their rich, diverse cultures celebrate unity in diversity, which is even more valuable in the current development context, said To Lam.

He added that both nations embrace a global perspective, are ready for international cooperation, and are keen to absorb humanity's best knowledge based on equality and mutual respect.

In a volatile world, General Secretary To Lam said Vietnam and Malaysia share strategic interests and common views on various international issues, including maintaining strategic autonomy within ASEAN, mitigating the adverse impacts of great power competition, and ensuring development space for both nations.

As members of ASEAN and the Non-Aligned Movement, both countries pursue a balanced foreign policy, prioritizing peace, security, and development for their nations and the region, guided by international law. General Secretary To Lam expressed confidence that the newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership would usher in a new era of bilateral development and advance peace, stability, and prosperity for both nations and the region.

General Secretary To Lam.

He emphasized that the future development of Vietnam and Malaysia, their bilateral relations, and the establishment of a fair and open international system grounded in international law depend significantly on ASEAN's robust growth. ASEAN's future, in turn, rests on the determination of its member states, including Malaysia and Vietnam.

General Secretary To Lam reaffirmed Vietnam's optimism for ASEAN's future and its proactive and dedicated contributions to strengthening the organization. Since joining ASEAN in 1995, Vietnam has actively participated in and contributed to various initiatives and action programs.

For nearly three decades, ASEAN has been a strategic priority for Vietnam, creating favorable conditions for peace, security, stability, and development. Based on the principles of "innovation, creativity, and integration," Vietnam has played an active role in unifying and consolidating ASEAN's solidarity. The nation has become a trustworthy, responsible, and committed member, and cooperates sincerely and effectively.

Looking ahead, Vietnam is determined to achieve its centennial goals and strengthen its role in global politics, the economy, and human progress, aligning with ASEAN's Vision 2045. This responsibility requires creative thinking, innovative approaches, and effective, decisive actions.

Vietnam envisions ASEAN and its members moving forward in the new era, fostering development, peace, and prosperity in the region and beyond. As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, General Secretary To Lam said Vietnam is confident the bloc will make significant progress toward a prosperous, united, and dynamic community. Vietnam remains firmly committed to accompanying Malaysia and ASEAN on this journey.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized the vital role of young intellectuals, researchers, and students in realizing this vision. Vietnam and Malaysia both prioritize placing people at the heart of development. Leaders of both nations have consistently identified education, training, scientific research, and technology as foundational pillars of progress.

Vietnam considers education and training as a national policy and prioritizes investment in human resources development as a key strategic breakthrough. Regionally, education and training serve as the driving force and foundation for ASEAN and its member states to thrive amid global changes.