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 such as trade, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and energy transition. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung praised the United States for its dedication to peace, stability, and development in the region. He urged both parties to expedite the finalization of a new comprehensive work program to bolster these ties.
Minister Trung outlined several key areas for expanded collaboration, including trade and investment, the digital economy, semiconductors, and science and technology. He highlighted innovation and energy transition, alongside regional energy connectivity, as critical sectors for joint efforts. Additionally, Trung called for sustained US assistance in the Mekong sub-region, focusing on water management, climate change adaptation, infrastructure development, and workforce training.
Addressing regional security concerns, Trung stressed the significance of maintaining peace and resolving disputes through dialogue and adherence to international law. He acknowledged the US’s support for ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea and encouraged Washington to aid in reinforcing an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order centered on ASEAN. On the global front, Trung addressed developments in the Middle East, calling for increased dialogue and the restoration of safe maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need to protect freedom of navigation under international law.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s commitment to ASEAN, recognizing Southeast Asia’s strategic and economic importance. He assured continued US investments in supply chains, the digital economy, energy security, power-grid connectivity, and civil nuclear cooperation. Both ASEAN and the United States agreed to deepen economic connections and expand cooperation in high-value industries, aiming to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and improve coordination in tackling challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online scams.