Vietnam Pledges Support for Successful ASEAN Summit & Regional Cooperation
Vietnam has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with ASEAN Chair Malaysia and fellow member states to ensure a productive 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings this October. The pledge was made by Deputy Foreign Minister (FM) Giang, who leads Vietnam’s ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM), during meetings held September 9-10 in Port Dickson, Malaysia.
Deputy FM Giang underscored the critical importance of ASEAN unity, centrality, and leadership in navigating a complex landscape of security challenges – both conventional and emerging. He emphasized the need to bolster the organization’s institutional strength and foster stronger connections between ASEAN-led mechanisms to create a robust and effective network that benefits all citizens.
vietnam also expressed its continued support for Timor-Leste’s efforts to meet the requirements for full ASEAN membership,offering to share its three decades of experience within the organization.
Beyond supporting regional integration, Vietnam proposed concrete steps to deepen cooperation across key areas including economic integration, improved connectivity, advancements in science and technology, digital conversion, and the transition to lasting energy sources. As the country coordinator for ASEAN relations with New Zealand and the UK, Deputy FM Giang also suggested initiatives to strengthen these partnerships, including developing strategic frameworks and identifying collaborative priorities.
Throughout the discussions, Vietnam consistently advocated for peaceful dispute resolution based on international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as a cornerstone for maintaining regional peace, security, and stability.
The SOM brought together senior officials from all ten ASEAN member states, representatives from Timor-Leste, and dialogue partners including China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, India, Australia, New Zealand, and Russia. Participants reviewed a considerable agenda and examined over 80 draft documents prepared for the upcoming leaders’ summit.
Aligned with the ASEAN 2025 theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” the summit is expected to feature nearly 40 activities addressing a broad range of issues – from political and security concerns to economic cooperation,digital innovation,and food security – all with the aim of building a more inclusive,sustainable,and people-centered ASEAN community.
Discussions also focused on Timor-Leste’s anticipated admission as the 11th ASEAN member in October, and the consideration of applications from new partners seeking to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).
Facing a backdrop of global challenges,ASEAN members highlighted the need for increased resilience,closer coordination between its political-security and economic pillars,and synergy between the ASEAN Vision 2045 and the UN 2030 Agenda. The organization reiterated its central role in shaping regional cooperation, particularly in areas like digital transformation and the green economy.
During the ASEAN+3 SOM,China,Japan,and South Korea presented initiatives focused on economic stability,financial cooperation,energy and food security,and also projects addressing disaster management,transnational crime,and social issues like women’s empowerment and child protection.
The East Asia Summit (EAS) SOM reaffirmed the forum’s two-decade commitment to addressing regional political and security issues through dialogue, trust-building, and adherence to international law. Participants exchanged views on critical regional issues including the situation in the South China Sea, Myanmar, and the Middle East, reaffirming the importance of peaceful resolution and adherence to the principles of the TAC.
Alongside the formal meetings, Deputy FM Giang engaged in bilateral discussions with counterparts from ASEAN member states and partner countries to strengthen cooperation and enhance coordination at multilateral forums.
