​ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is an economic, cultural and social organization of countries in the Southeast Asian region. This organization was established on August 8, 1967 in the Capital of Thailand - Bangkok City. When it was first established, ASEAN had 05 founding members including: the Republic of Indonesia, the Federation of Malaysia, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore and the Kingdom of Thailand.

 

The Flag of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (the ASEAN Flag

When did Viet Nam join ASEAN and what is its significance?

Viet Nam officially joined and become the seventh member of ASEAN on July 28, 1995. Currently, the bloc has 10 member countries, including: the Nation of Brunei, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Federation of Malaysia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. ASEAN also has two observer countries: Papua New Guinea and Timor - Leste. Viet Nam became an official member of ASEAN has had significant in many ways:

- Strengthening economic cooperation: Viet Nam has signed many free trade agreements with ASEAN member countries, helping to strengthen trade and investment relations between Viet Nam and countries in the region. Viet Nam has also joined economic communities such as ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

- Strengthening security and defense cooperation: Viet Nam has participated in ASEAN activities such as peacekeeping exercise, political dialogues and security information sharing, helping to improve its ability to respond to regional security challenges.

- Strengthening diplomatic relationships: ASEAN is an important forum for Viet Nam to promote diplomatic relationships with other countries, not only with members of the ASEAN bloc but also with Asian partners such as China, Japan, South Korea, and global partners such as the US and EU countries.

 

Flags of 10 countries of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations

What are the operating principles of ASEAN members?

According to Article 2 of the ASEAN Charter adopted at the 13th ASEAN Summit in November 2007, ASEAN and its member states shall act in accordance with the following 14 principles:

- Respect the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and national identity of all ASEAN member states;

- Shared commitment and collective responsibility in enhancing regional peace, security and prosperity;

- Renunciation of aggression and of the threat or use of force or other actions in any manner inconsistent with international law;

- Reliance on peaceful settlement of disputes;

- Non-interference in the internal affairs of ASEAN Member States;

- Respect for the right of every Member State to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion and coercion;

- Enhanced consultations on matters seriously affecting the common interest of ASEAN;

- Adherence to the rule of law, good governance, the principles of democracy and constitutional government;

- Respect for fundamental freedoms, the promotion and protection of human rights, and the promotion of social justice;

- Upholding the United Nations Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law, subscribed to by ASEAN Member States;

- Abstention from participation in any policy or activity, including the use of its territory, pursued by any ASEAN Member State or non-ASEAN State or any non - State actor, which threatens the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political and economic stability of ASEAN Member States;

- Respect for the different cultures, languages and religions of the peoples of ASEAN, while emphasising their common values in the spirit of unity in diversity;

- The centrality of ASEAN in external political, economic, social and cultural relations while remaining actively engaged, outward - looking, inclusive and non - discriminatory; and

- Adherence to multilateral trade rules and ASEAN’s rules - based regimes for effective implementation of economic commitments and progressive reduction towards elimination of all barriers to regional economic integration, in a market-driven economy.

What are the rights and obligations of ASEAN member countries?

Article 5 of the ASEAN Charter adopted at the 13th ASEAN Summit in November 2007 stipulates the rights and obligations of member states as follows:

- Member States shall have equal rights and obligations under this Charter.

- Member States shall take all necessary measures, including the enactment of appropriate domestic legislation, to effectively implement the provisions of this Charter and to comply with all obligations of membership.

- In the case of a serious breach of the Charter or noncompliance, the matter shall be referred to Article 20.