At the ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Việt Nam put forth a strong call for enhanced economic integration and the bolstering of regional resilience. Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung highlighted the necessity for ASEAN nations, along with China, Japan, and South Korea, to intensify their cooperative efforts in areas such as trade, connectivity, and sustainable development. He underscored the critical need for the effective implementation of regional trade agreements and suggested a focus on energy security, food security, digital transformation, innovation, and clean energy.
Minister Trung proposed that the member countries consider establishing regional energy cooperation mechanisms. Such mechanisms are aimed at enhancing the region’s ability to withstand future economic and geopolitical challenges. His remarks come at a time when regional cooperation is seen as vital to navigating the complex global landscape and ensuring a stable economic future for the countries involved.
The meeting served to reaffirm ASEAN+3’s status as a pivotal platform for regional collaboration. The participating countries reached a consensus on the need to expedite the ASEAN+3 Work Plan for 2023–2027. This plan is envisioned to strengthen financial cooperation, expand regional food reserves, and promote renewable energy initiatives. Additionally, there was a shared commitment to increasing investment in key sectors such as education, technology, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
China, Japan, and South Korea expressed their continued support for ASEAN’s central role in regional matters. They pledged ongoing assistance in furthering the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which aims to foster a more integrated and resilient regional community. The meeting highlighted a collective determination among these nations to work towards shared goals, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation in addressing the challenges facing the region.