At the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the United States in Manila, Vietnam emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between ASEAN and the U.S. in various sectors. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung highlighted the significance of strengthening partnerships in trade, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and energy transition. He lauded the U.S. commitment to regional peace, stability, and development, urging both parties to swiftly finalize a new comprehensive work program.
Trung proposed broadening cooperation in critical areas such as trade and investment, the digital economy, semiconductors, and innovation. He also stressed the importance of energy transition and regional energy connectivity. Moreover, Trung called for ongoing U.S. assistance in the Mekong sub-region, focusing on water management, climate change adaptation, infrastructure development, and workforce training.
On the topic of regional security, Trung underscored the necessity of maintaining peace and resolving conflicts through dialogue and international law. He expressed appreciation for the U.S.’s support of ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea and encouraged Washington to aid in fortifying an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order anchored in ASEAN principles. Addressing Middle East issues, Trung advocated for increased dialogue and the restoration of secure maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the protection of navigation freedom under international law.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated America’s dedication to ASEAN, acknowledging Southeast Asia’s strategic and economic significance. He assured continued U.S. investments in supply chains, the digital economy, energy security, power-grid connectivity, and civil nuclear collaboration. Additionally, ASEAN and the United States committed to intensifying economic relations, expanding cooperation in high-value industries, enhancing people-to-people exchanges, and improving coordination to combat challenges like terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online fraud.