It is the first overseas trip of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung since assuming his new leadership position. It demonstrates Vietnam’s high regard for ASEAN as well as its support for the Philippines in its role as ASEAN Chair 2026. The trip also aims to actively implement Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralization of external relations, while promoting foreign affairs and international integration as regular and strategic tasks, and further elevating multilateral diplomacy as outlined by the 14th National Party Congress.
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Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is leading a high-level Vietnamese delegation to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, from May 7 to 8. |
It is undeniable that after a decade of implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, ASEAN has achieved many positive results, reinforcing its important role in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Building on the achievements of the 2015-2025 period, ASEAN is continuing to strengthen the community and has begun implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its strategic plans, aiming toward a resilient, dynamic, innovative and people-centered ASEAN. However, it must also be acknowledged that while intra-bloc solidarity and ASEAN centrality continue to be promoted, the grouping is facing numerous internal and external challenges.
As the first official summit of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2026, the 48th ASEAN Summit is taking place amidst rapidly evolving, complex and unpredictable regional and global developments. Intensifying geostrategic competition and global flashpoints, particularly escalating tensions in the Middle East, are increasing instability and causing direct, multidimensional impacts on the global economy. In response to developments in the Middle East, ASEAN, under the leadership of Chair Philippines, has taken initial timely actions and adjustments. These include the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Joint Statement on the Middle East situation issued on March 4, two special online meetings held on March 13 and April 13 to discuss political, security and economic impacts on ASEAN and coordinated responses, the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat on March 13 issuing a Joint Statement on strengthening ASEAN economic resilience amidst geopolitical and global economic fluctuations, and the Special ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Meeting on April 30 adopting a Joint Statement on the economic implications of the situation in the Middle East.
Against such a backdrop, the 48th ASEAN Summit provides an important opportunity for leaders to comprehensively assess regional and global developments, agree on strategic directions and measures to strengthen cooperation, particularly in ensuring energy security, food security and the protection of ASEAN citizens. At the same time, the summit will continue advancing strategic priorities aimed at strengthening intra-regional connectivity, enhancing resilience, strategic autonomy and ASEAN centrality, while sustaining momentum in community building in line with the goals and plans of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Over more than three decades of joining the ASEAN “common house,” Vietnam has proven to be an inseparable part of the grouping, closely linking its national development with the association. Vietnam's ASEAN policy has also become an important component of Vietnam’s foreign policy. Vietnam has consistently demonstrated proactiveness, positivity and responsibility in ASEAN affairs, working alongside member states to uphold a balanced and harmonious approach to regional and international issues, while promoting ASEAN’s responsibility and voice in maintaining peace, stability and development.
With the country’s growing standing and strength after 40 years of Doi Moi (renewal), together with the aspiration for breakthrough development in the nation’s new era of development and the trust of the international community, Vietnam will continue making greater contributions and joining other member states in “navigating our future, together” in line with the spirit of the ASEAN 2026 theme.
By Editorial Board of the People’s Army Newspaper
Translated by Mai Huong