At the ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Vietnam called for enhanced economic integration and increased regional resilience. Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung urged ASEAN members, along with China, Japan, and South Korea, to strengthen their cooperation in various domains, including trade, connectivity, and sustainable development.
The minister highlighted the necessity of effectively implementing regional trade agreements while fostering collaboration in critical areas such as energy security, food security, digital transformation, innovation, and clean energy. He further suggested the exploration of regional energy cooperation mechanisms to bolster resilience against potential economic and geopolitical challenges.
The gathering underscored ASEAN+3’s pivotal role as a platform for regional cooperation, with member nations agreeing to expedite the ASEAN+3 Work Plan for 2023–2027. The ministers showed their support for increased financial cooperation, the expansion of regional food reserves, renewable energy initiatives, and greater investment in education, technology, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
During the meeting, China, Japan, and South Korea affirmed their commitment to supporting ASEAN’s central role in regional matters. They pledged ongoing assistance in advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, reinforcing their readiness to collaborate on shared goals.