Prime Minister urges ASEAN to strengthen internal solidarity at 46th ASEAN Summit Retreat

Pham made the above statement while addressing the 46th ASEAN Summit Retreat  that took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 26.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister, together with leaders of ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste, discussed international and regional issues.

He urged the bloc to prioritize strengthening internal capacity and expanding room for cooperation by enhancing intra-regional trade and investment, fully leveraging new growth drivers such as digital transformation, green transition, promoting intra-regional consumption, and improving energy and transport connectivity to facilitate the flow of goods.

Pham voiced his support for the early completion of the Digital Economy Framework Agreement, the upgrading of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), and more effective utilization of ASEAN's economic connectivity networks, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Pham emphasized the need to soon complete free trade agreements (FTAs) with partners such as Canada and upgrade existing FTAs with China and India, thereby diversifying markets, products, and supply chains.

Sharing concerns about the complex situation in the East Sea, the Prime Minister once again emphasized that ASEAN needs to make greater efforts to affirm its central role on the East Sea issue—an issue directly related to peace, security, and stability of the region—and called on the bloc to continue maintaining solidarity and principled stance on this issue.

Regarding the situation in Myanmar, Pham welcomed the proactive and timely steps taken by the ASEAN Chair to play a mediating role, including engaging with relevant parties to promote the Five-Point Consensus on the Myanmar issue.

He proposed the bloc continue prioritizing humanitarian aid efforts to support the people of Myanmar in overcoming the aftermath, stabilizing lives, and rebuilding following the earthquake.

The Prime Minister also called on all parties in Myanmar to cease violence and ensure that humanitarian assistance can be conducted safely and smoothly, and to exercise restraint, come together, prioritize the interests of the people and the country, and work jointly to resolve the issues.

Viet Nam has sent 60 tons of supplies and more than 100 officers and soldiers to participate in rescue and relief efforts in Myanmar, noted Pham, adding that the nation has also sent representatives to join the Informal Advisory Group.

Pham vowed to closely work with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to promote dialogue and reconciliation toward a feasible and sustainable solution for Myanmar. He also called on ASEAN to make collective efforts to find stronger and more proactive solutions to address the issue./.