The Chairman of the Council of Experts of the Eurasian Research Fund, Grigory Trofimchuk. Photo: 168 News

Russia’s website Infox.ru recently published an article by Grigory Trofimchuk, an expert in foreign policy, defense, and security, titled: “Vietnam – the flagship of ASEAN” with special emphasis on Vietnam’s leadership role in the region.

He said that ASEAN is an important partner, which is clearly shown by Russia’s recent adoption of the “Comprehensive Action Plan to realize the strategic partnership between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for the 2021-2025 period.”

Grigory said that Vietnam is not only a flagship of ASEAN but has proved its leadership role, becoming a center player in regional issues and a “key” for ASEAN’s problems. Vietnam’s strength lies in its growing prestige and position in the international arena, its attractive business environment, political stability, and predictable foreign policy, said the expert.

Vietnam – the flagship of ASEAN

At the international seminar on achievements, difficulties and challenges facing ASEAN’s integration Photo: VNA

Earlier this year, Russian experts have highly valued the role and strategic position of ASEAN in the region and in the world, particularly given recent global fluctuations.

They made the comment at an international seminar on achievements, difficulties and challenges facing the bloc’s integration held Moscow on May 25 and 26. The event, co-organised by two academies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, gathered representatives of ASEAN embassies and 40 Russian and international experts.

The hybrid event saw 30 presentations in five working sessions, whose topics revolved around ASEAN’s external relations policy, relations with strategic partners, experience in regional integration, and sustainable development. Participants analysed ASEAN’s roles and stances on building a regional security structure; and development orientations in digitisation, climate change, and migration, among others.

As the Chairman of the Council of Experts of the Eurasian Research Fund, Trofimchuk affirmed the rising role and importance in the political and economic spheres of the bloc in the world, especially for Russia in the current global context.

Valeria Vershinina (middle, yellow blouse) from the Moscow State University of International Relations (MGIMO) spoke at the 4th Russia - ASEAN Yuoth Summit in Cambodia in 2016. Photo: VNA

Regarding the role of Vietnam in ASEAN, Valeria Vershinina from the Moscow State University of International Relations (MGIMO) said with a large number of regional and international trade and economic agreements signed, the country plays an important role in the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).

Within the ASEAN framework, Vietnam's leadership is demonstrated via initiatives to narrow the development gap between the old and new members of the association and promote the continuous adaptation of “newcomers” to existing activities in the bloc, Vershinina added.

The expert spoke highly of Vietnam's efforts in mobilising countries in the region to sign the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone as well as in promoting an agenda seeking solutions for disputes in the East Sea and the start of negotiations on a related Code of Conduct of Parties (COC).

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