Regional Foreign Ministers reaffirm strategic importance of ASEAN 2045

In the Joint Communique issued at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur, the Foeign Ministers reaffirmed ASEAN's commitment to an inclusive and sustainable regional community by supporting Timor-Leste's full membership in ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025.

They vowed to maintain and promote peace, security and stability in the region, as well as to the peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The bloc affirmed commitments to environmental protection and climate change response through the operation of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change, the development of a regional carbon market, and the control of transboundary pollution. New strategies will integrate social and gender dimensions to promote inclusive development.

ASEAN will expand its comprehensive strategic partnerships with South Korea and New Zealand, while also strengthening ties with other organizations such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

The Member States agreed to uphold the ASEAN-led regional architecture, grounded in dialogue, cooperation, and adherence to international law.

As part of the 58^th AMM, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son attended the ASEAN+1 Foreign Ministers' Meetings with the United Kingdom and the European Union and the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

At these meetings, Bui reiterated that economic cooperation is the main driving force in ASEAN's relations with its partners, particularly in priority areas of the ASEAN 2045 such as green transition, digital transformation, sustainable growth, green infrastructure development, and support for small businesses.

He called on the EU to ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) soon and voice support for cooperation initiatives in artificial intelligence, innovative finance, and cybersecurity.

Viet Nam called on partners to continue supporting ASEAN's principled stance and efforts on the East Sea issue, including the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) that is consistent with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Viet Nam emphasized the shared goal of building the East Sea into the sea of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

The 58^th AMM concluded in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 11./.