During the recent ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the United States in Manila, Vietnam underscored the necessity for enhanced cooperation in several pivotal sectors, including trade, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and energy transition. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung emphasized the urgency of finalizing a comprehensive new work program, highlighting Washington’s commitment to peace, stability, and development in the region.
Trung proposed a robust expansion of collaboration in key sectors such as trade and investment, digital economy, semiconductors, science and technology, and energy transition. He also sought continued U.S. support for the Mekong sub-region, particularly in water management, climate change adaptation, infrastructure development, and workforce training. This appeal reflects Vietnam’s strategic vision to bolster regional energy connectivity and innovation.
On the security front, the Vietnamese minister stressed the critical importance of maintaining peace through dialogue and adherence to international law. He expressed appreciation for the U.S.’s ongoing support for ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea, advocating for an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order centered on ASEAN. Trung also addressed Middle Eastern developments, urging for enhanced dialogue and the safeguarding of maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the protection of navigation freedom under international law.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed America’s support for ASEAN, recognizing Southeast Asia’s strategic and economic significance. He committed to sustaining U.S. investments in supply chains, digital economy, energy security, power-grid connectivity, and civil nuclear cooperation. Rubio’s statements underscore the importance Washington places on its relationship with ASEAN, prioritizing mutual economic and security interests.
The conference concluded with both ASEAN and the United States expressing their commitment to deepening economic ties, expanding cooperation in high-value industries, and strengthening people-to-people exchanges. Additionally, there was a consensus to enhance coordination in addressing common challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online scams, marking a significant step forward in U.S.-ASEAN relations.