At the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference held in Manila, Vietnam has urged a bolstering of cooperation between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in several critical sectors such as trade, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and energy transition. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung emphasized the importance of these areas during his address, calling for a swift finalization of a new comprehensive work program between the two sides.
Minister Trung highlighted the potential for expanded collaboration in key industries, including trade and investment, the digital economy, semiconductors, and scientific and technological innovation. He also pointed out the significant role of energy transition and regional energy connectivity in future cooperation. In addition, Trung sought continued US support for the Mekong sub-region, particularly in water management, climate change adaptation, infrastructure development, and workforce training.
On the matter of regional security, Trung stressed the necessity of maintaining peace through dialogue and adherence to international law. He welcomed ongoing US support for ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea and encouraged efforts to reinforce an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order with ASEAN at its core. Furthermore, addressing issues in the Middle East, he advocated for increased dialogue and the safeguarding of maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need to uphold freedom of navigation in line with international law.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated America’s commitment to ASEAN, recognizing Southeast Asia as a region of significant strategic and economic interest. Rubio assured continued US involvement in enhancing supply chains, the digital economy, energy security, power-grid connectivity, and civil nuclear cooperation. Both ASEAN and the US expressed a shared intention to deepen economic ties, promote cooperation in high-value industries, and fortify people-to-people exchanges.
In addition to economic collaboration, both parties agreed on the importance of improving coordination to address challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online scams. This comprehensive approach underscores a mutual commitment to fostering stability and development in the region, aligning with the broader goals of both ASEAN and the United States.