At the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the United States in Manila, Vietnam emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between ASEAN and the US, particularly in areas like trade, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and energy transition. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung underscored the importance of Washington’s commitment to peace and stability in the region and called for the swift finalization of a new comprehensive work program between the two sides.
Trung highlighted the potential for expanding collaboration in vital sectors such as trade, investment, the digital economy, and semiconductors. He also pointed to science and technology, innovation, and energy transition as key areas for joint efforts. Additionally, Trung urged the US to continue supporting the Mekong sub-region, focusing on water management, climate change adaptation, infrastructure development, and workforce training.
Addressing regional security, the Vietnamese foreign minister stressed the significance of maintaining peace and resolving disputes through dialogue and adherence to international law. He welcomed US support for ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea and advocated for Washington’s assistance in bolstering an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order centered around ASEAN. Furthermore, Trung called for increased dialogue concerning the Middle East, with an emphasis on restoring secure maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz and safeguarding freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s support for ASEAN, affirming the strategic and economic importance of Southeast Asia. He committed to continued US investment in supply chains, the digital economy, energy security, power-grid connectivity, and civil nuclear cooperation. The two parties concurred on the need to deepen economic ties, extend cooperation in high-value industries, and enhance people-to-people exchanges. They also aimed to improve coordination in addressing challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online scams.