General Secretary To Lam, accompanied by his spouse and a Vietnamese delegation, returned to Hanoi this afternoon, successfully concluding his official visit to Indonesia, the ASEAN Secretariat, and Singapore.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, both Indonesia and Singapore as well as the ASEAN Secretariat placed great significance on this visit. The leaders of these nations extended the highest diplomatic courtesies to the General Secretary, hosting him with a comprehensive and substantive agenda.

Strengthening Vietnam’s presence in ASEAN

This visit holds historic significance as Vietnam simultaneously elevated its relationships with both Indonesia and Singapore within ASEAN. The agreements reached deepen bilateral cooperation and reinforce Vietnam’s role within the regional bloc.

Vietnam is now the only ASEAN country with which both Indonesia and Singapore have established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). This milestone marks a new chapter in Vietnam’s engagement with these key ASEAN members.

Equally noteworthy, for the first time ever, a Vietnamese General Secretary visited the ASEAN Secretariat, underscoring Vietnam’s strategic commitment to ASEAN’s development.

During the five-day visit, General Secretary To Lam participated in over 40 diplomatic activities, while Vietnamese ministries, provinces, and businesses signed multiple cooperation agreements with their Indonesian and Singaporean counterparts.

Upgrading Vietnam-Indonesia relations

Vietnam and Indonesia agreed to elevate their diplomatic ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This marks a significant milestone, culminating from 70 years of diplomatic relations and over a decade of strategic cooperation.

This upgrade strengthens cooperation in political, economic, and security domains, while also fostering greater trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Singapore

The agreement to upgrade Vietnam-Singapore relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership introduces new momentum for multifaceted cooperation.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, this historic upgrade not only benefits both nations economically and strategically but also reinforces ASEAN’s unity and central role in the region’s evolving geopolitical landscape.

Vietnam’s commitment to ASEAN’s future

At the ASEAN Secretariat, the visit reaffirmed Vietnam’s steadfast commitment to ASEAN’s unity, resilience, and development. General Secretary To Lam highlighted Vietnam’s dedication to regional cooperation and stability, particularly as the country celebrates 30 years of ASEAN membership.

His address at the Secretariat emphasized Vietnam’s proactive and responsible approach to ASEAN, advocating for a stronger, more cohesive regional community.

Indonesia and Singapore: Key ASEAN pillars

Both Indonesia and Singapore are founding members of ASEAN and among the region’s most advanced economies. Indonesia is also a member of the G20, making it a critical player in ASEAN’s economic and security architecture.

Singapore, known for its open economy and technological leadership, serves as a regional innovation hub, while Indonesia’s vast domestic market drives its sustained economic growth. These strengths make both countries valuable partners for Vietnam’s modernization and global integration.

Global attention on Vietnam’s diplomatic achievements

Vietnam’s elevation of ties with Indonesia and Singapore has garnered significant media attention in both countries. News outlets have highlighted the strategic implications of these agreements and their potential to reshape ASEAN’s economic and political landscape.

Looking ahead, the immediate priority for Vietnam is to translate these agreements into concrete action. Ministries and agencies will develop detailed action plans to accelerate cooperation in key areas, particularly in green energy, innovation, digital transformation, and high-tech industries.

Additionally, Vietnam remains committed to expanding ASEAN’s benefits to its citizens, businesses, and local communities. The country aims to enhance investment and trade opportunities within ASEAN, ensuring the region continues to thrive as a dynamic and interconnected economic bloc.

Tran Thuong