Vietnam PM hails ASEAN success, PH leadership as chair

Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng hailed ASEAN as one of the world’s most successful models of regional cooperation and recognized the Philippines’ role as current chair of the regional bloc, as he called for stronger cooperation toward peace, stability, and shared development.

The European Union (EU), Mercosur of South America, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are among other regional blocs.

Hưng made the remarks during a call by ASEAN Heads of Diplomatic Missions to Vietnam, led by Philippine Ambassador Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, at the Government Office Headquarters in Hanoi on August 27.

PHOTO FROM THE DFA

The Vietnamese leader cited ASEAN’s contributions to advancing relations among its members and pledged to pursue more concrete cooperation with ASEAN member states.

He urged the bloc to build on ASEAN’s core strengths as a “shared asset” by deepening trade and investment, particularly in emerging sectors, while expanding people-to-people ties.

Hưng also stressed the importance of ASEAN centrality and the “ASEAN Way,” including consensus-building and consultation through existing regional mechanisms.

Fernandez, speaking on behalf of the ASEAN envoys, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Vietnam. He highlighted key milestones, including the 50th anniversary of Philippines-Vietnam diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

PHOTO FROM THE DFA

The Philippine envoy also welcomed recent regional visits by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam to Bangkok, Singapore, and Manila.

Fernandez welcomed Hưng’s contribution to the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu and conveyed the ASEAN envoys’ interest in his participation in the 49th ASEAN Summit scheduled in Manila later this year.

Hưng noted Vietnam’s growing relations with fellow ASEAN members since joining the bloc in 1995, with trade reaching US$91 billion. He said Vietnam would continue expanding its extensive free-trade agreement network to diversify markets and deepen trade and investment links.

The Prime Minister was joined by Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung and other senior officials. Fernandez was accompanied by Second Secretary Jackielou-Mary Huelgas and Third Secretary Danica Denise Manicad.