During the ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Việt Nam made a compelling appeal for heightened economic integration and bolstered regional resilience. Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung urged the ASEAN member states, along with China, Japan, and South Korea, to enhance their cooperation in key areas such as trade, connectivity, and sustainable development. His call to action emphasized the need for effective implementation of existing regional trade agreements and encouraged further collaboration in crucial sectors including energy security, food security, digital transformation, innovation, and clean energy.
The minister put forward the idea of exploring regional energy cooperation mechanisms as a strategy to build resilience against potential economic and geopolitical challenges. This was part of a broader discussion that highlighted the ASEAN+3 framework’s pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation. The meeting saw a consensus among member countries to expedite the ASEAN+3 Work Plan for 2023–2027, underscoring a shared commitment to enhance financial cooperation, expand regional food reserves, and promote renewable energy initiatives.
Additionally, there was a collective agreement to increase investment in education, technology, tourism, and cultural exchanges. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening the economic and social fabric of the region, ensuring that ASEAN+3 remains a key platform for regional collaboration and development.
China, Japan, and South Korea reiterated their commitment to supporting ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs. They pledged ongoing assistance to advance the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, reflecting a unified approach to navigating future challenges and opportunities in the region.