Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today attended the Opening Session of the Second ASEAN Future Forum (AFF), held in Hanoi, Viet Nam. In line with the theme of this year’s forum, “Building a United, Inclusive and Resilient ASEAN amidst Global Transformation,” Dr. Kao underscored ASEAN’s enduring commitment to cooperation and collaboration, and dialogue and diplomacy. He reflected that ASEAN’s upholding of the principles of transparency, openness, inclusiveness and convergence-building remain essential in navigating an increasingly fragmented multipolar world. While acknowledging this year as the 30th anniversary of Viet Nam’s membership in ASEAN, Dr. Kao also underlined the Forum as a key contribution of Viet Nam to strengthening ASEAN Community-building. He expressed hope that the Forum will continue to be held annually and grow into a leading ASEAN-centred and future-oriented mechanism in the region.

Download the full remarks here.