ASEAN Future Forum 2026: a major step forward for multilateral diplomacy
The Dr. Gnel Rattha, president of the Cambodia-Russia Entrepreneurs Association and a specialist in geopolitics and international economics, described the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 (AFF 2026), organized on June 9 and 10 in Hanoi, as a multilateral event major illustrating the active and responsible role of Vietnam in strengthening regional cooperation.
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| The Dr Gnel Rattha, president of the Cambodia-Russia Entrepreneurs Association. |
| Photo : VNA/CVN |
During an interview with the Vietnamese News Agency (VNA), the Cambodian expert considered that this forum, launched at the initiative of Vietnam, constituted an important step forward in diplomacy between political parties, marking the transition from a mainly bilateral approach to a broader multilateral dynamic.
According to him, AFF 2026 is distinguished by an innovative, in-depth and structured program, offering a platform conducive to promoting the role of young people as well as increased participation of the private sector in regional cooperation processes.
The Dr Gnel Rattha stressed that the organization of the forum reflected Vietnam’s ability to pursue a foreign policy based on independence, autonomy and deep international integration. Thanks to this initiative, the dialogue was expanded well beyond the traditional governmental framework, bringing together representatives of major ASEAN cities, young people, academics and economic actors.
Citing the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, he recalled that Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet had stressed, during the opening session, that peace remained the essential condition for regional stability and development. The Cambodian head of government also called for strengthening dialogue, cooperation and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.
For the Cambodian specialist, the participation and intervention of Prime Minister Hun Manet testify to Cambodia’s growing role in regional affairs. This high-level presence reflects Phnom Penh’s desire to actively contribute to ASEAN’s collective responses to common challenges, including climate change, security and inclusive development.
Cambodia also intends to take advantage of exchanges dedicated to new technologies and energy security. Describing the forum as a “laboratory of innovative ideas”, Dr Gnel Rattha believed that the themes covered this year, such as artificial intelligence governance, financial technologies and energy transition, offered the country opportunities to attract more investments and benefit from the experiences of international experts and academics.
According to him, discussions devoted to the economy and security also contribute to strengthening trade as well as regional connectivity in terms of infrastructure.
On the sidelines of the forum, a symposium entitled “The role of Southeast Asian political parties in the construction of the ASEAN Community” was held on June 8 in Hanoi. This was a first in the region, offering political groups a dedicated space for dialogue.
The Dr Gnel Rattha considered that this initiative contributed to the establishment of a new channel of regional dialogue, allowing political cooperation to evolve from a bilateral framework towards a more multilateral model. Cambodia could thus strengthen its ties and strategic coordination with other political parties in the region, particularly those in Vietnam, with a view to future regional and international cooperation.
In conclusion, the Cambodian expert stressed that AFF 2026 highlights Vietnam’s growing influence within ASEAN. According to him, the country has confirmed in recent years its status as an emerging middle power, with an increasingly important role and influence in the region.
VNA/CVN
