July 28 this year marks 25 years of Vietnam’s official membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The anniversary is special at the point that Vietnam is shouldering the heavy responsibility of the rotary Chair of the bloc for the second time. On this occasion, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh writes an article entitled “Vietnam’s 25 years of ASEAN membership: Joining hands for a cohesive and responsive community”. Following is a translation of his article: