During the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the United States in Manila, Vietnam has advocated for enhanced cooperation between Southeast Asian nations and the US in areas such as trade, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and energy transition. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung expressed appreciation for the US’s commitment to peace, stability, and development in the region, urging both parties to swiftly finalize a new comprehensive work program.
Minister Trung highlighted the need to broaden collaboration in crucial sectors, including trade, investment, the digital economy, semiconductors, science and technology, innovation, and energy transition. He also sought continued US assistance for the Mekong sub-region, particularly in water management, climate adaptation, infrastructure development, and workforce training. On security matters, Trung stressed the significance of maintaining peace and resolving conflicts through dialogue and international law, encouraging US support for ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea and advocating for a strengthened regional order centered on ASEAN principles.
Addressing issues beyond the region, Trung emphasized the importance of dialogue and securing safe maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the need to uphold freedom of navigation in accordance with international law. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated America’s support for ASEAN, highlighting Southeast Asia’s major strategic and economic relevance. Rubio committed to continued US investment in the region’s supply chains, digital economy, energy security, power-grid connectivity, and civil nuclear cooperation.
In a mutual agreement, ASEAN and the United States decided to deepen their economic ties and broaden cooperation in high-value industries. They also pledged to enhance people-to-people exchanges and improve coordination in addressing challenges like terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online scams. This collaborative effort aims to fortify the partnership between ASEAN and the US, fostering a robust and dynamic regional relationship.