Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh: 'ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Sports affirms strategic vision'

On the morning of October 16, the opening ceremony of the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports took place in Hanoi. Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh attended and gave a speech. Also attending were Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong, ministers, heads of delegations from ASEAN countries and East Timor; and ambassadors of Southeast Asian countries in Hanoi.

Building a long-term vision for ASEAN sports

In his welcome speech at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh affirmed that throughout the journey of formation and development of ASEAN, sports have become a bridge of friendship, solidarity and development. From the SEA Games, ASEAN Para Games to sports exchange programs, all have contributed to connecting the hearts of ASEAN people, nurturing the spirit of "One Vision - One Identity - One Community".

Affirming Vietnam's consistent viewpoint of taking people as the center, subject, goal, resource, and driving force of development, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the Strategy for the development of physical training and sports in Vietnam to 2030, with a vision to 2045, identifies: building a sustainable and professional physical training and sports foundation. All people have access to and enjoy physical training and sports services; voluntarily practice to improve health, fitness, and quality of life.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh speaks at the conference

PHOTO: VIET HUNG

With the spirit of "Solidarity, cooperation, sustainable development", Vietnam hopes that this conference will not only stop at exchanging experiences but also exchange specific measures to implement the goals and priorities on sports and health development for people as stated in the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, thereby opening a new phase of deeper, more effective cooperation and having a real impact on the lives and health of ASEAN people.

Appreciating the theme of the conference, "Orientation of sports to contribute to sustainable development", Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh emphasized that the theme of the conference demonstrated the progressive thinking and strategic vision of ASEAN. Sustainability is not only about economic development but also about human development, community development, and social development in harmony with nature.

The 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports opened on the morning of October 16 in Hanoi.

PHOTO: VIET HUNG

The Deputy Prime Minister suggested that the conference focus on discussing, sharing and agreeing on five key orientations: sports for all; smart and creative sports; green, clean and sustainable sports; strengthening international cooperation between ASEAN and partners to build a transparent and modern sports ecosystem; preserving and promoting the value of traditional sports.

"I believe that, with the spirit of solidarity, responsibility and common vision, this conference will create a new milestone in the history of regional sports cooperation, affirming ASEAN's position as a dynamic, creative and vibrant community," Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh emphasized.

Sports affirm their important role

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said that the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports is of special significance, marking increasingly deep cooperation within the ASEAN socio-cultural community, as well as opening up many new opportunities in cooperation with dialogue countries in the context of ASEAN building the ASEAN Cooperation Strategy for the period 2026 - 2030, orienting the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

In the spirit of cooperation, friendship and responsibility, Minister Nguyen Van Hung believes that this conference will achieve many practical results, providing strategic directions for ASEAN sports cooperation in the new period, while contributing to enhancing the position of ASEAN sports in the international arena.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung

PHOTO: VIET HUNG

"This is an important occasion for us to review the achievements of cooperation, exchange experiences, and set out directions for ASEAN sports cooperation in the coming period, towards comprehensive, sustainable and inclusive development. With the chosen theme, today's conference is an opportunity for us to share our vision, strengthen cooperation and together create a future of ASEAN sports development, sustainability and identity. Vietnam pledges to accompany member countries and partners to realize common goals, making sports the pride of the ASEAN community, contributing to building a peaceful, prosperous and cohesive region," Minister Nguyen Van Hung emphasized.

The 8th ASEAN Sports Ministers Meeting will focus on discussing many important issues, comprehensively reflecting the development of regional sports in the new period. The focus will include: developing professional sports associated with science and sports economics to enhance international competitiveness; promoting gender equality, encouraging the participation of women, youth and people with disabilities; preserving and promoting traditional sports, connecting with ASEAN culture and identity; establishing an ASEAN High Performance Sports Centre to create an environment for training, exchanging expertise and improving athletes; at the same time promoting the role of sports in improving public health, contributing to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and sustainable development.

One of the important highlights at the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports was the expansion of sports cooperation between ASEAN and international partners outside the region.

PHOTO: VIET HUNG

It is expected that the conference will adopt three joint statements: AMMS-8 Joint Statement, 5th AMMS+Japan Joint Statement and 2nd AMMS+China Joint Statement. In addition, relevant reports and documents of SOMS-15 and SOMS-16, along with the cooperation plan for the period after 2025, will also be reviewed and approved.

One of the important highlights at AMMS-8 is the expansion of sports cooperation between ASEAN and international partners outside the region.

At the conference, Vietnam and ASEAN member countries will discuss and approve specific cooperation plans, including: ASEAN-Japan Sports Cooperation Plan, focusing on women and sports, physical education, sports for people with disabilities and sustainable development through football; ASEAN-China Sports Cooperation Plan in the fields of health promotion, building ASEAN sports zones, and developing traditional sports. In addition, ASEAN also promotes cooperation with many other partners such as Korea, FIFA, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Regional Anti-Doping Organization (SEARADO).

These activities affirm that ASEAN is increasingly demonstrating its role as an open, dynamic sports community ready for international integration.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/pho-thu-tuong-mai-van-chinh-hoi-nghi-bo-truong-asean-ve-the-thao-khang-dinh-tam-nhin-chien-luoc-185251016104848616.htm