Poursuit of strengthening Vietnam’s role and position in the region
At the invitation of the President of the Philippines and President of ASEAN for 2026, Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., Prime Minister Le Minh Hung will lead a high-level Vietnamese delegation to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, from May 7 to 8.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung
PHOTO: TUAN MINH
Speaking to the press, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang stated that this trip was of particular importance as it was the Prime Minister’s first overseas trip and first participation in the ASEAN Summit in his new role.
The presence of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung confirms that ASEAN remains a major strategic priority in Vietnam’s overall foreign policy.
“This also sends a clear message regarding Vietnam’s commitment to the ASEAN Community-building process, with a proactive, positive, and responsible spirit, making substantial and effective contributions to the association’s common work,” said Mr. Dang Hoang Giang.
The main objective of this working visit is to work with ASEAN countries to strengthen the peace and stability environment, maintain ASEAN’s unity and central role, and enhance response capacities to new challenges, thereby creating favorable conditions for the sustainable development of the region and each member state, while promoting bilateral relations between Vietnam and ASEAN countries. In this spirit, Vietnam will focus its efforts on the following key priorities:
Firstly, we will coordinate with ASEAN countries to promote the implementation of the ASEAN Presidency’s priorities for 2026 and the ASEAN Community Vision for 2045, to build a resilient, dynamic, innovative, and people-centered ASEAN Community.
Secondly, in collaboration with ASEAN, we will promote the maintenance of a peaceful, safe, and stable environment; uphold international law and multilateralism; strengthen intra-bloc ties while expanding and deepening relations with our partners, thus consolidating ASEAN’s central role in the regional structure.
Thirdly, Vietnam has actively participated in priority areas of the conference, particularly in urgent issues related to energy security, food security, and citizen support. Vietnam has conducted proactive research and prepared concrete and practical proposals and initiatives to enhance ASEAN’s overall response capacity to increasingly complex external challenges and changes.
Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang stated that during his participation in the conference, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is expected to also meet with leaders of ASEAN countries to strengthen friendly relations, enhance political trust, and promote concrete and effective cooperation. These will also be the Prime Minister’s first direct meetings with ASEAN leaders since taking office.
“I am confident that, given the particular importance of this trip, the busy work program, and Vietnam’s thorough preparation, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s participation in the 48th ASEAN Summit will be a resounding success, enhancing the image of a proactive, positive, sincere, and responsible Vietnam, contributing to peace, stability, and common development of ASEAN, while consolidating Vietnam’s role and position in the region and strengthening relations between Vietnam and ASEAN member states,” emphasized Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang.
Affirming the strategic value of ASEAN
The 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings will be held on May 7 and 8 in Cebu, under the theme “Building a Shared Future Together.” Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang stated that this is the first annual summit under the Philippine presidency of ASEAN in 2026 and holds particular significance as ASEAN officially enters a new phase of development after ten years of building the ASEAN Community (2015-2025).
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang
PHOTO: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“2026 marks the beginning of ASEAN’s implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, with strategic plans centered around four main pillars: political and security, economic, socio-cultural, and connectivity. This essential reference framework will contribute to building a united and resilient ASEAN and play a central role in promoting cooperation and resolving regional issues,” stated Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang.
The 48th ASEAN Summit will be an opportunity for leaders of the 11 member countries to deeply exchange views on regional and international situations, agree on strategic directions, and make strategic decisions, thereby strengthening solidarity, increasing autonomy, and further affirming ASEAN’s strategic value.
“It can be said that this conference not only emphasizes the importance of defining the direction of ASEAN’s new development path, but it is also an opportunity for ASEAN to affirm its resilience, adaptability, and determination to build a peaceful, stable, and sustainably developed region, placing people at the center,” affirmed Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang.
Source: Thanh Nien
