Viet Nam becomes model for sustainable development, key ASEAN Member State: ASEAN Secretary-General

Phan expressed thanks to the ASEAN Secretary-General for having participated in and delivered remarks at the three editions of the ASEAN Future Forum, reflecting his interest and special support for the forum.

Phan also acknowledged Kao's contributions to ASEAN's common works as well as his support for the ASEAN Member States.

He underscored the importance of effective implementation of the ASEAN Vision 2045 and related work plans amid current challenging regional and global context.

ASEAN needs to constantly improve its resilience and strategic autonomy, with an immediate focus on fruitful realization of the commitments in the ASEAN Leaders' Statement on the response to the Middle East Crisis adopted at the 48^th ASEAN Summit in May 2026, Phan said.

In addition, ASEAN's top priority is to maintain solidarity, consolidate centrality, ensure peace, security and stability in the region, thus creating an environment conducive to development and prosperity, he added.

He said ASEAN should enhance intra-trade, effectively tap the network of free trade agreements, and reinforce new growth models while deepening relations with its partners.

On the occasion, Phan acknowledged major outcomes of ASEAN military and defense cooperation over the recent past, especially through such mechanisms like the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+), reaffirming Vit Nam's commitment to continue making positive contributions to these mechanisms.

The ASEAN Secretary-General spoke highly of Viet Nam's socio-economic achievements as well as its contributions to ASEAN progress, saying Viet Nam has become a model for sustainable development and a key ASEAN Member State.

Kao also highly valued the success of the 3^rd ASEAN Future Forum, which has evolved into a valuable platform with quality contributions to policy formulation and implementation of the ASEAN Vision 2045.