He expressed hope that ambassadors and representatives of international organisations would act as "bridges to connect your home countries with Vietnam and the AC".
Moroccan Ambassador El Houcine Fardani, on behalf of the diplomatic delegations, said the establishment of the AC was a major milestone towards regional connectivity, helping to create a giant market of 600 million people and total GDP worth more than US$2.6 trillion.
He congratulated all ASEAN members for the achievement and expressed the belief that it would help promote regional co-operation for the sake of peace, stability and prosperity.
East Sea dispute
"We take great pride in this particular success, but are also deeply aware that the situation in the region is becoming more complicated, especially in the East Sea," Dung said.
"Vietnam is determined to protect its sovereignty and rightful interests but also perseveres with peaceful solutions based on international law to resolve disputes and disagreements," the PM said.
Vietnam would do its best to maintain peace in the East Sea and the region, Dung said, calling on the international community to have "strong voices and actions to support the efforts of Vietnam and ASEAN" regarding the issue.
Vietnam's latest move regarding the boiling East Sea dispute, which recently sparked increasing tensions between China and a number of ASEAN members – including Vietnam, was the country's strong objection to China conducting 46 flights early this month that violated Vietnam's sovereignty.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh also protested twice this month against the landing of Chinese civilian airliners at an illegally-built airport on Chu Thap (Fiery Cross) Island in the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago.
