ASEAN delivers a message of action in a changing world: Deputy FM Dang Hoang Giang
WVR - On January 26, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat took place in Cebu (Philippines), chaired by Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro, with the participation of Foreign Ministers from member countries and the ASEAN Secretary-General, officially launching the ASEAN Year 2026. The Vietnamese delegation, led by Politburo Member and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, attended the conference. On this occasion, Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang gave an interview to the Vietnamese press about the significance of the conference and Vietnam's contributions.
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| The ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat 2026 not only initiates a year of cooperation but also helps shape ASEAN's conduct and steps in response to the profound changes of the era. (Source: VNA) |
Could you evaluate the outcomes of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat?
In 2026, ASEAN enters the first year of implementing the Vision 2045 with an open space for cooperation and the synergistic strength of an 11-member Community, accompanied by higher expectations for ASEAN's role, contributions, and responsibilities. Therefore, this ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat not only kicks off a year of cooperation but also helps shape ASEAN's conduct and steps in response to the profound changes of the era.
With the theme “Steering a Shared Future”, the 2026 Chairmanship year of the Philippines, in general, and this conference, in particular, sends a clear and strong action message: ASEAN does not stand apart from the movements of the times, nor is it swept away by competitive currents, but steadfastly chooses the path of strengthening solidarity, enhancing coordination, and acting together for the stability and development of the region. In that spirit, the conference achieved important results with strategic orientation.
Firstly, renewing the approach in implementing cooperation, focusing on effectiveness and substance, bridging the gap between decision-making and action. This approach is clearly reflected in the three strategic priorities proposed by the Philippine Chairmanship on strengthening the "anchor" of peace, expanding the "corridor" of prosperity, and promoting empowerment of the people. The close connection between the three pillars demonstrates ASEAN's strategic and consistent vision, which is to take peace as the foundation, development as the motivation, and people as the center; thereby addressing urgent needs while building a solid foundation for long-term development.
Secondly, concretizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Strategic Plans, shifting focus from planning to urgent and decisive implementation. Recognizing the limitations in previous implementation, countries have agreed to innovate operational methods, emphasizing responsibility, coherence, and execution capacity. This spirit of action is concretized by prioritizing resources for strategic "breakthroughs" such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), and the semiconductor industry... These are identified as both new growth drivers and practical measures for effective integration, ensuring ASEAN's commitments are realized, bringing tangible benefits to people and businesses.
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| Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Thirdly, the high consensus in perception and action at the conference continues to affirm ASEAN's resilience, solidarity, and strategic autonomy, especially in the context of competition, conflict, geopolitical fragmentation, and unilateral imposition trends exerting significant pressure on multilateralism and international law. The shared responsibility for the situation in Myanmar, promoting reconciliation in Cambodia-Thailand relations, or maintaining a principled stance on the South China Sea are clear evidence of ASEAN's ability to overcome differences and build consensus, even in the most challenging times. The countries' steadfast emphasis on international law, conduct norms, and processes like DOC, COC, or the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar... not only aims to maintain regional peace and stability but also contributes to preserving ASEAN's strategic space and enhancing its autonomy.
A balanced, harmonious, and inclusive approach in foreign relations has helped ASEAN deepen relations with partners, effectively leveraging external resources to directly serve the Community-building process.
Could you share about Vietnam's participation and contributions at the conference?
The Vietnamese delegation, led by Politburo Member and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, attended and made substantial contributions to the conference. This is the first multilateral foreign activity taking place right after the success of the 14th National Party Congress, holding significant meaning in the early implementation and concretization of the Party's foreign policy. Vietnam's participation in the conference left three distinct marks, clearly reflecting the shift in quality from "deep integration" to "full integration", being more proactive, positive, and responsible in addressing common regional and global issues.
Firstly, the mark of strategic commitment. Sharing the results of the 14th National Party Congress, Minister Le Hoai Trung affirmed Vietnam's consistent and steadfast foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, resilience, multilateralization, and diversification. In this overall framework, ASEAN continues to be identified as the top strategic priority, the "common home" that Vietnam is committed to wholeheartedly nurturing and building with other countries. The positive reception and congratulations from other countries are clear recognition of Vietnam's role, contributions, and prestige.
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| The Vietnamese delegation, led by Politburo Member and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, attended and made substantial contributions to the conference. (Source: VNA) |
Secondly, the mark of action-oriented thinking. Vietnam proactively made substantial contributions to shaping the priorities for 2026 and beyond, realizing the Vision 2045. In a rapidly changing, unpredictable strategic environment, Minister Le Hoai Trung emphasized that ASEAN's thinking needs to precede change, leveraging the strength of solidarity and its central role to maintain its position as the "anchor of peace and stability" in the region. The Minister particularly emphasized promoting in-depth intra-bloc connectivity through enhancing infrastructure, energy, and knowledge connectivity, innovation to improve the Community's resilience and competitiveness in the new context. Vietnam's continued hosting of the ASEAN Future Forum was highly appreciated by other countries, affirming its pioneering role in inspiring thought and contributing development directions for ASEAN.
Thirdly, the mark of responsibility in common work. Amidst the urgent need to enhance ASEAN's capacity and operational efficiency, the Minister proposed that ASEAN conduct a comprehensive review of trust-building mechanisms, conflict prevention and resolution, as well as study the establishment of a consultation mechanism among ASEAN legal advisers on international law, contributing to solidifying ASEAN's institutional and legal foundation. In discussions on regional and international issues, Vietnam consistently pursued a balanced, constructive approach, contributing to harmonizing differences and maintaining ASEAN consensus. In its role as coordinator of ASEAN-UK and ASEAN-New Zealand relations, Vietnam promoted substantive cooperation, closely aligning with ASEAN's development priorities, increasing value and effectiveness for ASEAN's partner network.
In summary, Vietnam's participation and contributions not only reflect its strategic commitment to ASEAN but also represent proactive and concrete implementation of foreign policy in regional practice. This approach affirms that foreign relations and international integration are important methods, effectively serving the goal of consolidating a peaceful, stable environment, leveraging resources for development, and enhancing the country's position and prestige in the new development phase.
Thank you very much, Deputy Foreign Minister!
