Vietnam has urged for enhanced cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States, focusing on key areas such as trade, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and energy transition. This appeal was made during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the US, which took place in Manila. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung emphasized the significance of these sectors and encouraged both sides to swiftly finalize a comprehensive work program to bolster their partnership.
In his address, Minister Trung highlighted the need for expanded collaboration in various fields, including trade and investment, the digital economy, semiconductors, science and technology, and innovation. Additionally, he underscored the importance of energy transition and regional energy connectivity. Trung also called for the United States to continue its support for the Mekong sub-region, particularly in water management, climate change adaptation, infrastructure development, and workforce training.
The Vietnamese Foreign Minister also touched upon regional security concerns, advocating for the maintenance of peace and the resolution of disputes through dialogue and adherence to international law. He welcomed the ongoing US backing of ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea and encouraged Washington to assist in fortifying an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order centered around ASEAN. Furthermore, Trung addressed developments in the Middle East, advocating for increased dialogue and the restoration of safe maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, while emphasizing the protection of navigation freedom under international law.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s commitment to ASEAN, highlighting Southeast Asia’s strategic and economic significance. He promised continued US investment in supply chains, the digital economy, energy security, power-grid connectivity, and civil nuclear cooperation. Both ASEAN and the United States agreed to deepen their economic ties and expand cooperation in high-value industries. They also aimed to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and improve coordination in addressing challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online scams.