Prime Minister to share views on ASEAN future at upcoming regional summits

Do made the above statement in an interview ahead of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's tour to Laos to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits from October 8-11.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister will deliver his remarks, focusing on ASEAN cooperation orientations, shaping the future of ASEAN, and navigating the role of the bloc, said Do.

Do, who is also head of the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) delegation of Viet Nam, said these are the most important series of high-level meetings of ASEAN this year, with the participation of leaders from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste and 10 partners, along with many guests who are representatives of international and regional organizations.

With the theme "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience", leaders will discuss strategic issues closely related to ASEAN and the region to promote dialogue, cooperation, and linkages, seize opportunities and overcome challenges.

In the face of strong emerging trends, the bloc has taken proactive steps to take advantage of new growth drivers. A number of frameworks are being actively negotiated, such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, the ASEAN Power Grid, and the supply chain connectivity.

The orientation to bolster cooperation in potential fields towards green, digital, and sustainable trends will be a top priority of summits' agenda, noted the Deputy Minister.

Besides, issues relevant to shaping the future of ASEAN will be focused on, noted Do, adding that the bloc's new development strategies are expected to enhance regional cooperation and connectivity in the direction of innovation, creativity and action.

The 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, taking place after the United Nations' Summit of the Future, are expected to strongly affirm and spread the irreplaceable value and importance of multilateralism in the current context, affirmed Do.

"With the successful organization of the ASEAN Future Forum 2024 that was held in Viet Nam in recent April, we have promoted our bridging role, and conveying the forum's recommendations and proposals to the United Nations' Summit of the Future, contributing to linking regional and global priorities and common concerns", shared the diplomat.

He expressed his belief that under the chairmanship of Laos, the event will be organized successfully, continuing to assert ASEAN's stature in the region and the world, towards a more connected and resilient ASEAN Community./.