Vietnam's hosting of the ASEAN Senior Officials on Sports Meeting in 2014 and 2024 is not only a testament to the trust of the region but also an opportunity to promote the image of the country, people, culture and sports of Vietnam to international friends. These conferences have contributed to strengthening diplomatic relations between countries, while clearly orienting sports activities in the region.
ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Sports – SOMS 15 to be held in Vietnam in October 2024
Vietnam has joined SOMS since 2012 and has been present at this annual event since then. In the process of participating and contributing to the affirmation of the position of SOMS, Vietnam has become the destination of the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Sports in 2014 and 2024.
Accordingly, the 4th SOMS in 2014 took place in Hanoi with the participation of delegates who are officials in charge of sports from 9 ASEAN countries including: Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia.
The 4th SOMS in 2014 actively contributed to promoting and enhancing the understanding of the people of ASEAN countries about foreign relations within the bloc; strengthening diplomatic relations between ASEAN countries; promoting Vietnamese culture, sports and tourism to friends in the region; orienting sports and sports-related activities in the ASEAN region. In addition, the conference also highlighted challenges and difficulties that need to be urgently resolved, including encouraging cooperation in the field of sports; orienting sports and sports-related activities in the region...
At the 15th SOMS in 2024, as the host, Vietnam is ready for three official meetings that will take place from October 14 to 16 in Vinh Phuc. The 15th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Sports (SOMS 15) in 2024 and related meetings are of great significance in promoting sports cooperation and sports-related activities between ASEAN member states (AMS) and international organizations and partner countries such as Japan and China.
The meeting was attended by about 80 international delegates representing the ASEAN Secretariat, leaders of sports agencies in Japan and China; ASEAN member states, Timor Leste, international organizations, and relevant ASEAN dialogue countries. There were also about 50 Vietnamese delegates representing ministries, sectors and media agencies.
Through this event, Vietnam demonstrated its responsibility and effectiveness as an ASEAN member state in the specialized cooperation mechanism, as well as ensuring Vietnam's interests with participating parties for the goal of building a peaceful, stable and prosperous ASEAN community. From there, introduce the image of Vietnam's land, country and people to international friends, strengthen friendship and mutual understanding in the ASEAN Community.
The 15th SOMS in 2024 will be attended by about 70 international delegates
Vietnam not only participates but also makes a substantial contribution to the ASEAN Action Plan on Sports for the period 2021-2025. Notably, the successful organization of an international workshop on anti-doping, as well as the integration of activities promoting healthy lifestyles, food safety and hygiene, and disease prevention at major sporting events such as the 31st SEA Games and the 11th ASEAN Para Games. In the near future, Vietnam will continue to affirm its position when it assumes the role of Chair of the 8th ASEAN Sports Ministers Meeting in 2025 in Hanoi, promising to introduce new initiatives to further promote the development of regional sports.
Ha Phuong