Hanoi (VNA) –International media and experts pin high hopes on Vietnam as thecountry takes over the dual role of ASEAN Chair andnon-permanent membership of the UN Security Council thisyear.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s raising of the ASEAN gavel at the 35th ASEAN Summit in November last year signalled notonly Vietnam’s commencement as chair of the regional grouping, but also thestart of a critically definitive period for its foreign policy, said The Interpreter of the Lowy Institute, Australia, in a story.

“2020 is set to bea busy year for Vietnam, with several force multipliers for its foreign policy,” it said.

“Beyond itschairmanship of ASEAN’s Vision 2020 goals – predominantly stability in theregion – Hanoi will also balance a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Whilesuch diplomatic responsibilities come with significant pressure, the opportunetiming provides Hanoi a chance to engage the international community in itsmaritime security interests.”

The US-basedWilson Center said over the past few years, Vietnam’s foreign policy hasbeen in focus due to Hanoi’s increasing activism on a range of issues ranging, particularly UN peacekeeping.

“2020will be a big year that spotlights that, with Vietnam holding a couple ofprominent regional and international positions amid a challenging geopoliticalenvironment,” it added.

Thailand’sBangkok Post run a recent story titled “Vietnam is powering fullsteam towards the future”, saying  Vietnam is ready to showcaseitself after more than 30 years of reform.

Meanwhile,Indonesia’s Kompas quoted an expert as saying Vietnam selecting “Cohesive andResponsive” as the theme for its ASEAN Chairmanship this year shows that thecountry will focus on strengthening the regional bloc to be able to activelyrespond to challenges in the new era.

Choi ShingKwok, Director of the Singapore-based Institute of Southeast Asian Studies(ISEAS), said the assumption of a non-permanent UNSC member gives Vietnam anopportunity to showcase its leadership globally and at the same time, benefitsASEAN.

Also fromthe ISEAS, Dr. Hoang Thi Ha said this year’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme reflectsVietnam’s top priority today to make ASEAN an united bloc with coordinated stance and actions to address commonchallenges, including traditional and non-traditional security issues.

As a non-permanent UNSCmember, Vietnam will be able to connect ASEAN’s priorities with the global agendas,particularly in applying international law and multilateral mechanisms topromote peace and resolve disputes, Ha said.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) groups 10 memberstates, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, thePhilippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam./.