During the recent ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Việt Nam advocated for enhanced economic integration and regional resilience. Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung called on ASEAN members, along with China, Japan, and South Korea, to intensify cooperation in areas such as trade, connectivity, and sustainable development. This push for deeper collaboration underscores the need for effectively implementing regional trade agreements while also exploring new avenues in energy security, food security, digital transformation, innovation, and clean energy.
Minister Trung highlighted the potential for regional energy cooperation mechanisms as a means to bolster resilience against future economic and geopolitical challenges. His remarks emphasized the importance of not only maintaining but also expanding existing partnerships to address these pressing issues. The meeting served as a platform to reaffirm the significance of ASEAN+3 in fostering regional cooperation, with a focus on accelerating the ASEAN+3 Work Plan for 2023–2027.
Key topics discussed included strengthening financial cooperation, expanding regional food reserves, and promoting renewable energy initiatives. Additionally, there was a shared commitment to increase investment in education, technology, tourism, and cultural exchanges. These initiatives aim to fortify the region’s economic and social infrastructure, ensuring sustainable growth and stability in the face of global challenges.
China, Japan, and South Korea reiterated their support for ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs, pledging to continue assisting in the advancement of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. This vision seeks to create a more cohesive and integrated community, capable of navigating the complexities of regional and global dynamics effectively.