During the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the United States held in Manila, Vietnam advocated for enhanced collaboration between ASEAN and the US in several critical areas, including trade, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and energy transition. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung emphasized the need for both parties to swiftly conclude a new comprehensive work program, aligning efforts for regional development.
Trung highlighted the potential for expanding cooperation in crucial sectors such as trade and investment, the digital economy, semiconductors, and science and technology. He also underscored the importance of innovation, energy transition, and regional energy connectivity. Additionally, Trung pressed for sustained US support in the Mekong sub-region, particularly in water management, climate change adaptation, infrastructure development, and workforce training.
Addressing regional security concerns, the Vietnamese minister stressed the vital role of dialogue and adherence to international law in maintaining peace and resolving disputes. He expressed appreciation for the US backing ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea, urging Washington to contribute to strengthening an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional framework centered on ASEAN.
Trung also touched upon the Middle East situation, advocating for enhanced dialogue and the re-establishment of secure maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized the significance of safeguarding freedom of navigation under international law, considering recent developments in the region.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated America’s commitment to ASEAN, recognizing Southeast Asia’s strategic and economic significance. He assured ongoing US investment in key areas such as supply chains, the digital economy, energy security, power-grid connectivity, and civil nuclear cooperation. Both ASEAN and the US agreed to strengthen economic ties, collaborate in high-value industries, and enhance people-to-people exchanges. There was a mutual understanding to improve coordination in combating challenges like terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online scams.