The opening ceremony of the 43rd ASEAN Summit took place at the Jakarta Convention Center, Indonesia with the presence of the leaders of ASEAN countries, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, and many representatives of international organizations. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh led the Vietnamese delegation at the ceremony.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo welcomed delegates to Jakarta for the 43rd ASEAN Summit. He affirmed that all member countries share pride and love with the great family called ASEAN. ASEAN solidarity is a precious value that all family members cherish.

Taking the image of the "ASEAN boat" heading to the great sea, open to the world, cooperating with partners for the common goal of peace, security and stability, President Widodo affirmed that ASEAN is united and steadfast in the view of turning the region into a place that fosters cooperation and dialogue for peace and prosperity.

"ASEAN wishes to cooperate for mutual benefit with all countries, affirming its role as the epicenter of growth," Indonesian President Joko Widodo said.

The opening ceremony conveyed the message of ASEAN's spirit of solidarity, always moving forward strongly, turning ASEAN into a focal point of growth in the region and the world.

After the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of ASEAN countries attended the plenary session of the 43rd ASEAN Summit.

At the opening ceremony, the Indonesian President presented the 2023 ASEAN Award to Vietnamese businesswoman Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh for her contributions to the building of the ASEAN Community.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh founded the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) to support women to start and develop businesses and enhance economic empowerment. She implemented many training and support projects for female entrepreneurs, making an important contribution to the growth of the Vietnamese and ASEAN female business communities.

Mr. Haji Muhammad Iqbal Fakhri bin Haji Damit, a citizen of Brunei Darussalam, was awarded this award in 2022 for his contributions to community development.

The ASEAN Award is an annual ASEAN event held since 2018 to honor individuals and organizations with outstanding contributions to the building of the ASEAN Community. 

Some images of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the 43rd ASEAN Summit:

Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his wife welcomed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the 43rd ASEAN Summit. Photo: Duong Giang

Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Leaders of ASEAN countries attended the 43rd ASEAN Summit.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the plenary session of the 43rd ASEAN Summit.
Before the opening ceremony of the 43rd ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had breakfast and talked with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Photo: Nhat Bac


Previously, on the afternoon of September 4, Indonesia welcomed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at Soekarno-Hatta airport, Jakarta with a traditional dance. Photo: ASEAN Summit

Thu Hang (From Jakarta, Indonesia)