External cooperation of ASEAN: contributions of Vietnam after 25 years of membership

Abstract

Since its establishment, ASEAN countries have been aware of the importance of external cooperation towards the goal of building a region of peace, security and prosperity. Over the past few years, Vietnam has demonstrated the role of an active member in participating ASEAN's activities in general and\ external cooperation in particular. The article presents an overview of ASEAN's achievements in external cooperation activities. It also highlights Vietnam's role in ASEAN's external cooperation in terms of building initiatives to promote cooperation and actively implement activities aimed at  achieving the ASEAN external cooperation commitments in practice. Finally, the article offers a number of recommendations to enhance Vietnam's role in the Association's external cooperation activities.