In a recent meeting held in Manila, Vietnam emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between ASEAN and the United States, focusing on areas such as trade, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and energy transition. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung highlighted the importance of these sectors during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the US, urging both parties to swiftly finalize a new comprehensive work program.
Trung put forward a proposal to broaden collaboration in several vital domains, including trade and investment, the digital economy, semiconductors, science and technology, innovation, and energy transition. He also emphasized the importance of regional energy connectivity and called for continued US support in the Mekong sub-region, particularly in water management, climate change adaptation, infrastructure development, and workforce training.
Addressing regional security concerns, Trung stressed the necessity of maintaining peace and resolving disputes through dialogue and adherence to international law. He welcomed the ongoing support from the US for ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea and appealed for Washington’s assistance in reinforcing an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order centered around ASEAN.
Regarding Middle East developments, Trung advocated for increased dialogue and the re-establishment of secure maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the need to safeguard freedom of navigation in line with international law. His remarks were echoed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reiterated Washington’s commitment to ASEAN, highlighting Southeast Asia’s strategic and economic significance. Rubio pledged sustained US investment in areas such as supply chains, the digital economy, energy security, power-grid connectivity, and civil nuclear cooperation.
The discussions between ASEAN and the United States concluded with an agreement to deepen economic ties, enhance cooperation in high-value industries, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges. Both parties committed to improving coordination in addressing challenges like terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online scams, showcasing a shared resolve to tackle these pressing issues.