Vietnam has urged for enhanced cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States, focusing on sectors such as trade, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and energy transition. This call was made during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the US in Manila. At the meeting, Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung expressed appreciation for Washington’s commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and development in the region. He emphasized the need for both parties to swiftly finalize a new comprehensive work program.
Foreign Minister Trung highlighted the importance of expanding collaboration in critical areas, including trade and investment, the digital economy, semiconductors, and science and technology. Additionally, he underscored the significance of energy transition and regional energy connectivity. He also sought continuous US assistance for the Mekong sub-region, particularly in managing water resources, adapting to climate change, infrastructure development, and workforce training.
On the topic of regional security, Trung stressed the necessity of maintaining peace and resolving disputes through dialogue and adherence to international law. He welcomed the ongoing US support for ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea and encouraged Washington to aid in reinforcing an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order with ASEAN at its core. Addressing the situation in the Middle East, Trung advocated for increased dialogue and the re-establishment of secure maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need to protect freedom of navigation in line with international law.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ support for ASEAN, highlighting Southeast Asia’s strategic and economic significance. He committed to continuing US investments in supply chains, the digital economy, energy security, power-grid connectivity, and civil nuclear cooperation. Additionally, ASEAN and the United States agreed to deepen their economic ties, enhance cooperation in high-value industries, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges. They also pledged to improve coordination in handling challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online scams.