Continuing the program of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related Summits, on the afternoon of May 26, 2025, Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste attended a small meeting to discuss international and regional issues.
Leaders of countries shared that ASEAN is an area of geopolitical and geoeconomic benefits, facing increasing pressure from strategic competition between major countries, protectionist trends, supply chain disruptions, climate change, natural disasters, epidemics and non-traditional security risks.
In the face of a new wave of technology changing the development model, ASEAN needs to strengthen solidarity, promote dialogue, cooperation, multilateralism, promote a common voice, and actively contribute to global processes.
Regarding international and regional issues, leaders of countries reaffirmed the principled stance on the East Sea, emphasizing the rule of law, peaceful settlement of disputes, full implementation of DOC and soon completing COC to be effective and substantial, in accordance with UNCLOS 1982.
ASEAN reaffirms its commitment to support the multilateral trade system, enhance trade and investment within the bloc, and expand links with external partners.
Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh shared with countries' assessments of the situation of the world being Polar, dispersed, divided, and differentiated. The Prime Minister emphasized that ASEAN needs to steadfastly dialogue, cooperation, solidarity, and self-reliance; strengthen intra-bloc solidarity, play a central role, and maintain balanced relations with major countries through existing mechanisms.
Sharing concerns about adjusting tariff policies, the Prime Minister emphasized that this is an opportunity for ASEAN to promote autonomy, self-reliance, and trade restructuring; prioritize strengthening internal resources, enhancing trade, domestic investment, and exploiting new growth drivers such as digital transformation, green, energy connectivity, and transportation.
The Prime Minister highly appreciated the coordinating role of the Malaysian President, emphasizing that ASEAN needs to continue to coordinate closely, share information, and persevere in dialogue to find solutions.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh supports the early completion of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, upgrading the ASEAN Commodity Trade Agreement, effectively exploiting FTAs, promoting the completion of FTAs with Canada, upgrading FTAs with China and India, diversifying markets and supply chains.
Regarding the East Sea, the Prime Minister emphasized that ASEAN needs to affirm its central role in this issue, maintain solidarity and a principled stance.
Regarding Myanmar, the Prime Minister welcomed the proactive steps of the ASEAN Chair, suggested continuing to prioritize humanitarian aid, supporting people to overcome the consequences of the earthquake on March 28, 2025; calling on all parties to stop violence and sit down for dialogue.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted the fact that Vietnam has sent 60 tons of goods and more than 100 officers and soldiers participating in the rescue in Myanmar; sent representatives to participate in the ASEAN President's informal advisory group; pledged to coordinate with Malaysia and other countries to promote dialogue and reconciliation for sustainable solutions for Myanmar.
