Vietnam accepted as the seventh member of ASEAN
By Oei Eng Goan
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (JP): Vietnam became the only communist country to join ASEAN, the regional economic grouping set up 28 years ago by staunchly anti-communist Southeast Asian nations, when it was accepted as the seventh member of the association yesterday.
Vietnam's flag was raised slowly to the accompaniment of "March Forward", Vietnam's national anthem, as foreign ministers and senior officials from member countries and Vietnamese Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam looked on.
The flag raising ceremony was held in the large courtyard of the International Convention Center moments after Cam and his six counterparts from Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore signed the declaration on the admission of Vietnam into the group.
In a welcome address by the chairman of the ASEAN standing committee, Brunei's Foreign Minister Mohamed Bolkiah said that "Vietnam has much to contribute to the group since its strategic location also means a bigger market for ASEAN."
Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas said that the inclusion of Vietnam into ASEAN meant a great deal more than just an increase in membership. It could also enhance the vitality and collective strength of the group.
In joining ASEAN, Vietnam has agreed to accede to all the treaties, declarations and agreements already made by all members of the group, including the extension of most-favored nation status to products from each member as well as ASEAN's principles on international trade.
Cam yesterday reiterated his country's pledge to pursue a policy of "comprehensive renewal in all aspects of social life" in line with the ASEAN spirit. He said his country would fulfill "all obligations and responsibilities of a member country according to targets, objectives and principles" set by the group.
Vietnam will start implementing the agreement on the Common Effective Preferential Tariff scheme for the ASEAN Free Trade Area this coming January.
Hanoi must also inform the group of all changes to laws and regulations concerning trade so as to ensure transparency and harmonious trade ties in ASEAN.
The seven foreign ministers of the extended ASEAN will kick- off their two-day meeting with a ceremony scheduled to be opened today by Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Topics to be discussed at the 28th ministerial meeting include claims to the Spratly islands by some ASEAN members as well as the war in Bosnia.
The Spratlys are a group of islands in the South China Sea, believed to be rich in oil and gas, that are currently being claimed partly or wholly by Brunei, the Philippines, Vietnam, China and Taiwan.
ASEAN foreign ministers will meet their counterparts from the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, China, Canada and the European Union on Tuesday at the second ASEAN Regional Forum. The meeting will discuss security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.