During the recent ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Việt Nam called for an intensified focus on economic integration and enhancing regional resilience. Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung addressed the assembly, which included ASEAN countries along with China, Japan, and South Korea, urging for deeper cooperation in areas such as trade, connectivity, and sustainable development.
Minister Lê highlighted the critical need for the effective implementation of existing regional trade agreements. He also emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships in key sectors like energy security, food security, digital transformation, innovation, and clean energy. In his remarks, he suggested exploring new mechanisms for regional energy cooperation to better equip the region against future economic and geopolitical disruptions.
The meeting underscored ASEAN+3’s pivotal role as a major platform for regional collaboration, with the countries involved committing to expedite the ASEAN+3 Work Plan for 2023–2027. The foreign ministers collectively endorsed enhanced financial cooperation, the expansion of regional food reserves, and the development of renewable energy initiatives. They also advocated for increased investments in education, technology, tourism, and cultural exchanges to further bolster regional ties.
China, Japan, and South Korea reaffirmed their commitment to supporting ASEAN’s central role in regional matters. These nations pledged ongoing support to advance the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, a long-term strategy aimed at fostering a more integrated and prosperous Southeast Asian region.