Vietnam has called for enhanced collaboration between the United States and ASEAN in areas such as trade, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and energy transition. This appeal was made during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the US in Manila. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung highlighted the need to solidify a new comprehensive work program, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to peace and development in the region.
Trung urged both parties to broaden cooperation in crucial sectors like trade, investment, the digital economy, and semiconductors. He also stressed the importance of advancing science and technology, innovation, energy transition, and regional energy connectivity. Additionally, Trung called for ongoing US support in the Mekong sub-region, particularly in water management, climate change adaptation, infrastructure development, and workforce training.
Focusing on regional security, Trung underscored the necessity of maintaining peace and resolving disputes via dialogue and adherence to international law. He welcomed the US’s ongoing support for ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea and encouraged Washington to bolster an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order centered on ASEAN. On issues in the Middle East, Trung advocated for increased dialogue and the restoration of safe maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the protection of navigation freedom under international law.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the US’s support for ASEAN, noting Southeast Asia’s strategic and economic significance. He affirmed the US’s commitment to investing in supply chains, the digital economy, energy security, power-grid connectivity, and civil nuclear cooperation. This meeting resulted in ASEAN and the United States agreeing to deepen economic ties, enhance collaboration in high-value industries, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.
Moreover, both sides pledged to improve coordination in addressing challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online scams. This comprehensive approach aims to foster mutual benefits and stability in the region, reflecting a shared commitment to tackling pressing global and regional issues.