On the afternoon of 6th of January, 2020, at the Government Office, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chaired the launching ceremony of the ASEAN Chair Year 2020 with the attendance of H.E. Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and the Chairman of the National ASEAN 2020 committee, leaders of ministries and localities. In particular, the ceremony took place with the participation of Ambassadors of ASEAN countries in Vietnam and Diplomatic Corps in Hanoi.
The ASEAN Chairmanship year 2020 with the theme of “Cohesive and Responsive” officially begins in the context of Vietnam’s undertaking major responsibilities at both regional and international levels in 2020. Assuming the role of chairmanship of ASEAN 2020, Vietnam will build on its achievements, continue the efforts of previous ASEAN Chairs, in order to join the members in identifying the future development of the ASEAN Community to 2025 and beyond. Together with the theme and 5 priorities, the ASEAN Year 2020 in Vietnam aims at longer-term goals. Vietnam will make an attempt to collaborate with member countries and successfully implement the priorities of ASEAN 2020 and that is also the practical contribution of Vietnam to a better future of ASEAN.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc emphasized: this is an opportunity for Vietnam to contribute more substantially to the building and the development of the ASEAN Community in harmony, resilience, creativity, cohesion, identity, responsibility and adaptivity. The Prime Minister called on every Vietnamese citizen, through practical actions, would be a messenger to spread the message of a friendly, cordial, and hospitable Viet Nam that welcomes all partnership with open arms. At the same time, the Prime Minister wishes that, during the term of the Chair of ASEAN 2020 of Vietnam, ASEAN members would support and join hands with Vietnam in building and developing the ASEAN Community of solidarity, resilience and prosperity. The Prime Minister also hoped that ASEAN’s international partners would cooperate and support ASEAN and Vietnam to successfully implement the missions of 2020, for a region of peace, security, development and progress. With the unanimous agreement and strong commitment, Vietnam will join the ASEAN countries and partners to successfully realize the goal for the ASEAN Community and for the people of ASEAN ”.
As the role of an agency hosting Sub-Committee for communications and culture, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism presided over the building and holding of an unique art program to celebrate the launching Ceremony. The art program was performed by Viet Nam Contemporary Art Theater artists with Vietnamese and ASEAN music, dance, and songs, showcasing the beauty and unique values of Vietnamese and ASEAN culture. Art and culture are determined to play an important role in the The ASEAN Chairmanship year 2020 in Vietnam, making a positive contribution to the introduction and promotion of Vietnam’s image with its rich culture as well as friendly and hospitable people.
The launching ceremony of the Viet Nam’s 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship becomes one of the important activities in the ASEAN Chair Year 2020 in Vietnam and the communications and promotion of the ASEAN Chair Year 2020 in Viet Nam.