This historic milestone not only marks the liberation and reunification of Vietnam but also symbolises the end of imperialism in the Mekong region.

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison affirmed his country’s support for ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific region while addressing the first ASEAN - Australia Summit, held virtually on October 27.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s participation in the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 23 and 24, his first overseas trip as the Government leader of Vietnam, has reflected the country’s great endeavour to contribute to the bloc’s common efforts in resolving many emerging issues.

Vietnam’s chairmanship has ensured ASEAN has retained its ability to effectively channel regional cooperation, according to a senior analyst from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)’s defence and strategy programme.