During a recent conference in Manila, Vietnam urged for enhanced cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States, focusing on areas such as trade, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and the transition to renewable energy. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung, addressing the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference, applauded Washington’s dedication to fostering peace, stability, and growth in the region. He also emphasized the need for both parties to swiftly conclude a comprehensive new work program to guide their collaborative efforts.
Trung highlighted the importance of expanding joint endeavors in critical sectors like trade and investment, the digital economy, semiconductors, science and technology, innovation, energy transition, and regional energy connectivity. He also urged the United States to continue its support for the Mekong sub-region, particularly in crucial areas such as water management, climate change adaptation, infrastructure development, and workforce training. The minister underscored the significance of maintaining regional security through dialogue and adherence to international law, welcoming the United States’ support for ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea. Trung also called for U.S. assistance in reinforcing an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order centered on ASEAN.
In addition to regional matters, Trung addressed the situation in the Middle East, advocating for increased dialogue and the restoration of safe maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized the necessity of safeguarding freedom of navigation in accordance with international law. These discussions reflect Vietnam’s broader commitment to regional stability and cooperation with international partners.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated America’s support for ASEAN, underscoring Southeast Asia’s strategic and economic significance. Rubio pledged sustained U.S. investment in supply chains, the digital economy, energy security, power-grid connectivity, and civil nuclear collaboration. The conference underscored the mutual interest in strengthening economic ties and expanding cooperation in high-value industries, alongside enhancing people-to-people exchanges.
Both ASEAN and the United States agreed on the need to improve coordination in addressing shared challenges, including terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online fraud. This commitment to collaboration highlights the ongoing efforts to foster a stable and prosperous region through robust partnerships and shared objectives.