Vietnam Proposes Three Areas of Cooperation at 49th ASEAN Summit
The 49th ASEAN Summit was held in Manila, Philippines, on November 15. Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng proposed three areas of cooperation: strengthening peace and security, advancing shared development, and building a sustainable ASEAN Community. Leaders also adopted or took note of 87 cooperation documents covering ASEAN’s three community pillars.
The 49th ASEAN Summit and related summits opened on November 15 in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. At a plenary session, Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng said ASEAN faces opportunities for development as well as multiple challenges, requiring member states to strengthen solidarity and develop a shared strategic vision. He proposed three areas for stronger ASEAN cooperation.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng attends the plenary session of the 49th ASEAN Summit.（VietVance）
The first is to create a peaceful, stable environment for development. Lê Minh Hưng called for stronger dialogue and mutual trust, the use of shared principles to resolve differences, and deeper cooperation on defense, security and legal matters. He also urged ASEAN to develop rules on coordination and information sharing for the ASEAN Coordinating Council’s response to emergency crises as soon as possible.
The second is to promote dynamic, resilient shared development. He proposed prioritizing implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, attracting high-quality investment and expanding participation in regional and global supply chains. Vietnam is willing to participate in ASEAN power grid connectivity and the Manila Energy Initiative. Lê Minh Hưng also proposed a space cooperation initiative covering the use of space data, space safety and the development of a regional space economy.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng poses for a group photo with the heads of delegations attending the opening ceremony of the 49th ASEAN Summit.（VietVance）
The third is to build a more cohesive, sustainable ASEAN Community. He proposed strengthening workforce training, including digital skills, facilitating labor mobility within the region and improving social security. Vietnam will work with Indonesia, Thailand and other member states to bring the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases into operation as soon as possible.
The leaders stressed that ASEAN should maintain regional peace and stability, improve its ability to address challenges including online scams, human trafficking and drug smuggling, and strengthen supply chain, energy, food and water security. At the end of the meeting, the leaders adopted or took note of 87 cooperation documents covering ASEAN’s three community pillars.
Source: VietVance
