Together, we steer the ASEAN “ship” through the waves and out to sea.

Strengthen unity and autonomy.

The above-mentioned key points will continue to be discussed and approved at the highest level within the framework of this ASEAN Summit, with the participation of 11 leaders of member states. This Summit aims to harmonize strategic directions and formulate important decisions, thus contributing to strengthening solidarity, increasing autonomy and reaffirming the lasting value of a strong regional organization with almost 60 years of existence.

Not remaining indifferent to current global concerns, on the eve of the Summit, Philippine Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro stressed that ensuring energy security, food security and protecting ASEAN citizens were three key points on the agenda of the 48th ASEAN Summit.

Furthermore, speaking to TGVN, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dang Hoang Giang, also presented the main axes of the conference. This involves, firstly, strengthening ASEAN’s solidarity, autonomy and capacity to respond to urgent challenges, particularly in essential areas such as energy security, food security, the stability of supply chains and citizen support in the event of emergency.

Second, promote the effective implementation of ASEAN strategic priorities, particularly the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the lines of cooperation during the Philippine ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

Third, continue to promote the common voice and central role of ASEAN by relying on respect for the rule of law, support for multilateralism and deepening relations with partners, thereby contributing to maintaining a peaceful, stable and favorable environment for development, while strengthening ASEAN’s position and role in the region and the world.

Nearly 60 years after its creation, ASEAN has overcome many major regional and global crises, from the Asian financial crisis to the Covid-19 pandemic, including strategic competition between great powers. These challenges have only highlighted the importance of solidarity, dialogue and cooperation – essential foundations that allow ASEAN to maintain its central role in a rapidly changing regional structure.

Amid growing strategic competition, ASEAN’s ability to maintain consensus and its central role is also one of the crucial factors in helping the region avoid being drawn into cycles of confrontation and polarization.

The manner in which ASEAN has jointly overcome difficulties and challenges not only strengthens its member states, but also affirms the prestige and central role of the Association, injecting lasting vitality into multilateralism for peace and stability in the region and the world.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in the second special meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers on the Middle East on April 13. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Strategic priorities, authentic contributions.

For more than thirty years that Vietnam has been a member of ASEAN, its development has been closely linked to that of the association, and the growth of ASEAN has also been marked by Vietnam. Vietnam has always worked for the common success of the Association and for the development of a united community centered on its people. In an ASEAN which adapts to new regional and global realities, Vietnam is increasingly asserting its role as an active and responsible member, ready to contribute to common regional issues. Currently, Vietnam and ASEAN have both entered a new phase of development, as evidenced by their long-term roadmaps.

The participation of Prime Minister Lê Minh HÆ°ng in this Summit testifies to Vietnam’s constant commitment to implement an independent, autonomous, favorable to its strengthening, peaceful, friendly, cooperative and development-oriented foreign policy, as well as to favor multilateralism and the diversification of its external relations, in accordance with the spirit of the 14th National Party Congress. Vietnam is fully invested in building the ASEAN Community, with a proactive, positive and responsible spirit, and contributes concretely and effectively to the common works of the Association.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang, throughout this ASEAN Summit, Vietnam strives to closely coordinate its actions with member states in order to promote the effective implementation of the priorities of the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026 and the Vision of the ASEAN. ASEAN Community 2045, with a view to building a resilient, dynamic, innovative and people-centered ASEAN Community.

Furthermore, Vietnam wishes to collaborate with ASEAN to promote the maintenance of a peaceful, secure and stable environment; defend international law and multilateralism; strengthen intra-bloc ties, while broadening and deepening relations with its partners, thereby consolidating ASEAN’s central role in the regional structure.

Vietnam will actively participate in the priority areas of the Conference, including pressing issues related to energy security, food security and citizen support. Recently, Vietnam has conducted in-depth research and developed concrete proposals and initiatives aimed at strengthening ASEAN’s comprehensive response capacity in the face of the increasing complexity of external challenges and changes.

The choice of ASEAN as Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s first destination after taking office also has important symbolic significance, reaffirming ASEAN’s strategic priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy and demonstrating Vietnam’s commitment to upholding the alongside the Association in the face of new regional and global changes.

Thus, although it is an annual and periodic meeting, each ASEAN Summit pursues its own mission. We are confident that the 48th ASEAN Summit will inject new momentum into ASEAN to overcome challenges and maintain its resolve to achieve the many important goals ahead. At the same time, it will project the image of a proactive, positive, sincere and responsible Vietnam, ready to contribute to peace, stability and the common development of the Community.