President Nguyen Xuan Phuc received ambassadors and chargés d'affaires of ASEAN member states in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

On behalf of the diplomats, Brunei Ambassador to Vietnam Pengiran Haji Sahari bin Pengiran Haji Salleh praised Vietnam’s achievements in pandemic control and socio-economic development in the past time.

He said he is confident that the country will continue obtaining new achievements in the time to come and unceasingly elevating its position on the regional and global stages.

Reviewing Vietnam’s achievements as Chair of ASEAN last year, the diplomat lauded its significant contributions to building the ASEAN Community, containing the pandemic, and expanding external relations.

He expressed his belief that President Phuc will continue working to deepen the solidarity and cooperation within ASEAN and Vietnam’s ties with other bloc members in contribution to regional and global peace and stability.

In response, Phuc underscored that the participation in ASEAN is always a priority in Vietnam's diplomacy and that the friendship with bloc members has become the basis of Vietnam’s bilateral relations.

He stated the spirit of cohesive and proactive adaptation has helped ASEAN to overcome difficulties last year, particularly amid the negative impact of COVID-19 on the region’s socio-economic aspect.

Based on such spirit, he noted solidarity and cooperation among member states as well as the promotion of ASEAN’s central role are key to overcoming obstacles in building a strong and prosperous ASEAN Community.  

He pledged to continue fostering Vietnam’s friendship and close coordination with ASEAN countries, implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, and making contribution to sustainable development in Southeast Asia.

The State President also expressed his wish that the diplomats will continue promoting their important bridging role and making further contribution to the promotion of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and other ASEAN member nations.

He also took the occasion to send his greetings to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand on their traditional New Year festivals and to Muslim countries in ASEAN on Ramadan./.

BTA