Diverse Proposals to Promote Hanoi - ASEAN People-to-people Cooperation

	Tightening Solidarity, Spreading ASEAN’s Cultural Identity
	Vietnam Accompanies ASEAN in 25 years of Integration Initiative

"People-to-people Diplomacy of Hanoi: 30 Years Accompanying and Promoting Vietnam-ASEAN Relations" seminar. (Photo: Mai Anh)

The workshop was organized by the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations on August 15 in Hanoi, attracting the participation of more than 100 delegates, including domestic and international diplomats, experts, scholars, and representatives of ASEAN countries.

In his remark, Nguyen Nam Hai, Vice President of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, said that July 28, 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's official accession to ASEAN - a milestone in the country's international integration process, contributing to strengthening solidarity, stability and cooperation in the region. He stated that the event offers an opportunity to review the achievements and propose solutions to further promote the role of Hanoi's people-to-people diplomacy in Vietnam-ASEAN relations.

The seminar received over 20 presentations with scientific and practical analyses. Participants agreed that people-to-people diplomacy is a strong bridge for Hanoi to connect with the ASEAN community, contributing to fostering a peaceful, friendly and prosperous region. Through economic, cultural, educational and people-to-people cooperation programs and initiatives by the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations and its member organizations, the relationship between Hanoi and ASEAN localities has been increasingly strengthened in terms of mutual understanding and trust.

Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, President of the Vietnam - US Society. (Photo: Mai Anh)

He emphasized that, as the country’s diplomatic center, Hanoi is well-positioned to become a regional hub for people-to-people cooperation initiatives. By harnessing government support, the dynamism of civil society organizations, and the active involvement of businesses, youth, and scholars, a collective strength can be cultivated, making people-to-people diplomacy more impactful, practical, and deeply rooted.

Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato' Tan Yang Thai (second from right), Representative of the ASEAN Chair 2025, shares information at the seminar. (Photo: Mai Anh)

Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato’ Tan Yang Thai, Representative of the ASEAN Chair 2025, affirmed that joining ASEAN has opened up great opportunities for Hanoi in socio-economic development, from promoting investment and expanding markets to fostering innovation and developing tourism, culture, education, and international cooperation. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of people-to-people diplomacy and Hanoi’s leading potential in cooperation among ASEAN cities, including connecting youth and academic networks, promoting digital diplomacy, and advancing sustainable urban cooperation. Malaysia wishes to cooperate with Hanoi in these areas, aiming for practical initiatives that serve the common interests of ASEAN people.

Phonethavy Thammasack, from the Political Office of the Embassy of Laos to Vietnam, stated that to promote a resilient and united ASEAN, Laos and Vietnam can strengthen people-to-people diplomacy through the application of digital technology, organizing online exchange activities, connecting digital businesses, and connecting projects to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These efforts should focus on environmental protection, renewable energy, and climate change response, while expanding bilateral cooperation models into regional initiatives.

She affirmed that implementing these orientations will help Laos-Vietnam cooperation remain vibrant, practical, and impactful. In the future, Laos is committed to continuing to strengthen Laos-Vietnam relations as a model for ASEAN, empowering youth and mass organizations to become drivers of change, and contributing to the building of a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous ASEAN Community.

Nguyen Ngoc Ky (middle), President of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, delivered his concluding remark. (Photo: Mai Anh)

Concluding the discussion, Nguyen Ngoc Ky, President of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, expressed high appreciation for the delegates’ sense of responsibility and thorough preparation. He noted that the presentations were delivered with great enthusiasm, offering multi-dimensional perspectives and valuable insights that contribute meaningfully to shaping Hanoi’s people-to-people diplomacy efforts in the time ahead. The proposals and initiatives put forward not only generate fresh momentum for Hanoi-ASEAN cooperation but also open up opportunities for deeper connections, helping to build a united, developed, and prosperous ASEAN community.

He affirmed that in 2025, Hanoi will continue to implement creative and effective people-to-people diplomacy activities, contributing to the realization of sustainable development goals and comprehensive international integration.

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