During the recent ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Việt Nam underscored the need for heightened economic integration and bolstered regional resilience. Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung called upon ASEAN nations, alongside China, Japan, and South Korea, to intensify their collaborative efforts in areas such as trade, connectivity, and sustainable development.
Minister Trung highlighted the crucial role of effectively executing regional trade agreements while advocating for expanded cooperation in energy security, food security, digital transformation, innovation, and clean energy sectors. He suggested the exploration of regional energy cooperation mechanisms as a strategy to enhance resilience against prospective economic and geopolitical adversities.
The meeting served to reaffirm the significance of the ASEAN+3 framework as a pivotal platform for regional cooperation. Participants from the member countries pledged to expedite the implementation of the ASEAN+3 Work Plan 2023–2027. Among the key areas of focus were the strengthening of financial cooperation, enlargement of regional food reserves, and promotion of renewable energy initiatives. Furthermore, there was consensus on the importance of increasing investments in education, technology, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
In a show of unified support, China, Japan, and South Korea reiterated their commitment to ASEAN’s central role in regional matters. They vowed to continue their support in advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, underscoring their dedication to fostering a cooperative and integrated regional community.