Vietnam progresses towards ASEAN integration for a peaceful and developed region

Nhan Dan newspaper is pleased to present his artilce to readers:

On July 28, 2015, Vietnam celebrates the 20th anniversary of the country's entrance to ASEAN. On behalf of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, I would like to warmly congratulate Vietnam on the occasion. I appreciate the efforts by the government and people of Vietnam over the last 20 years. Three pillars - the Economic Community, the Political-Security Community and the Socio-Cultural Community - are the base of the connection between Vietnam and other regional countries, particularly ASEAN member states.

Since joining ASEAN 20 years ago, Vietnam has achieved significant success, including improving human resources, developing infrastructure, improving GDP, consolidating economic development, and preserving national identity. Most recently, Vietnam has carried out a number of amendments to laws, which are a key to promoting ASEAN Community building, enhancing understanding within ASEAN and affirming Vietnam's role in the bloc. This proves that Vietnam is capable of pushing ASEAN integration forward, with the desire to build a region of peace, stability, happiness and development.

The Kingdom of Cambodia has recovered from civil war and genocide from 1975 to 1979, in which the country was devastated in terms of both population and infrastructure. On January 1, 1979, with the support from Vietnamese volunteer soldiers, the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime was wiped out, helping to revive the Cambodian people and build the country again from scratch.

After the general elections in 1993, Cambodia was besieged by international sanctions and was urged to meet the requirements of national reunification and reconciliation to gain ASEAN membership. Overcoming many difficulties, at the 6th ASEAN Summit hosted by Vietnam in Hanoi from December 15 to 17, 1998, nine ASEAN member countries agreed on the admission of Cambodia, making it the 10th member of the association. This was a proud and deeply meaningful event. Cambodia has strived to complete tasks towards achieving important objectives. Vietnam has contributed significantly to supporting Cambodia to become ASEAN's 10th member, contributing to reinforcing the strength of the ASEAN regional bloc. On April 30, 1999, in Hanoi, Cambodia was officially admitted as ASEAN's 10th member.

To prepare for the building of the ASEAN Community by the end of 2015, Cambodia should develop adequate and capable human resources for regional integration. The Cambodian government has always cared about strengthening education and training quality to meet market needs as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is set to take off. The AEC is a single market, making the bloc stronger and resulting more competitiveness; this is very important for Cambodia. The Royal Government of Cambodia hopes that many parts of society will contribute to solving the difficulties that Cambodia will face joining AEC, in order to benefit from regional economic integration.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has made efforts to strengthen the understanding of the ASEAN Community for its people. Despite many difficulties, Cambodia will makes its best effort in the ASEAN integration process to achieve success along with the other ASEAN members.

(Source: Nhandan Online)