Vietnam Takes the helm of ASEAN-US Cooperation
WASHINGTON D.C. – Vietnam has officially assumed the chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Washington D.C. (ACW) for the remainder of 2023, outlining a robust agenda focused on strengthening ties between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United States. The handover ceremony, marking the transition from thailand’s leadership, included the symbolic transfer of the ACW gavel and ASEAN flag.
Vietnamese Ambassador to the US, Nguyen Quoc Dung, lauded Thailand‘s successful stewardship of the ACW, specifically highlighting their commemoration of ASEAN Day on August 8th. Ambassador Dung pledged to build upon this momentum, emphasizing Vietnam’s commitment to fostering deeper and more meaningful engagement with US partners.
While details are forthcoming,Vietnam has already developed a series of initiatives to advance ASEAN-US cooperation. The coming months are slated to include a diverse range of events. September will feature National Day celebrations for Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, alongside participation in activities surrounding the UN General Assembly and the welcoming of new ambassadors from Laos and Indonesia.
October will mark a significant milestone with the formal recognition of Timor-Leste’s admission into ASEAN. The ACW, in partnership with the Malaysian Embassy, also plans to host a program dedicated to exploring the implications of artificial intelligence. November’s agenda includes a meeting with Sean Duffy, Secretary of the US Department of Transportation and Acting NASA Administrator. The year will culminate in December with a joint cultural showcase in Washington D.C., highlighting the diverse cultures of all ASEAN member states.Ambassador Dung expressed confidence in the continued collaborative spirit of fellow ASEAN members as Vietnam leads the ACW through the end of the year.The handover concluded with a networking session connecting ASEAN embassy representatives with key US partners.