More than three decades after joining ASEAN, Vietnam is reaffirming its role as a proactive and responsible member, contributing to the Association’s community-building efforts and strengthening its stature.
At the 49th ASEAN Summit, themed “Navigating Our Future, Together”, regional leaders will discuss the Association’s development priorities, promote cooperation, and strengthen its capacity to respond to regional and global changes.
Navigating our future
Taking place in the first year of implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the 49th ASEAN Summit will focus on ensuring energy and food security and maintaining essential supply chains.
The leaders are expected to discuss emergency response mechanisms for the oil and gas sector, the possibility of establishing regional strategic fuel reserves, and expanding rice reserves under the ASEAN+3 framework.
Digital economic cooperation is projected to further progress through the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which aims to unlock the potential of the digital economy and help regional businesses adapt to technological transformation.
Another priority is to maintain ASEAN’s role in convening and leading dialogues with its partners. Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, Head of the Vietnamese Mission to ASEAN, said, “We’ve seen significant challenges facing multilateral cooperation and multilateral institutions. ASEAN’s ability to bring together partners, including many major powers, is a positive development.”
The leaders will also discuss ASEAN’s relations with its partners, including activities to mark the 5th anniversary of ASEAN’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with China and Australia. Efforts to advance negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, will also be high on the agenda.
A responsible member of the ASEAN community
Vietnam continues to affirm its commitment to shaping and implementing ASEAN’s shared priorities.
In 2026, it worked closely with the Philippines, ASEAN Chair for the year, to advance priorities in economic integration, digital and green transformation, energy security, and food security.
In June, Vietnam hosted the ASEAN Future Forum, a platform for dialogue, sharing perspectives, and seeking solutions for the region’s future. Vietnam’s senior leaders participating in ASEAN summits and other high-level meetings reflects its political commitment to the Association.
“This demonstrates the commitment of Vietnam to ASEAN as a primary pillar of Vietnam’s foreign policy. Vietnam will work with the Philippines and other ASEAN member states to ensure the successful and effective implementation of the priorities set for this year, and advance the Association’s strategic directions for the years ahead,” Ambassador Huong said.
Vietnam’s initiatives and concrete actions have been recognized by other member states and ASEAN leaders. Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Jamal Sharifuddin Johan said that Vietnam has been an active, responsible, and constructive partner, committed to deepening economic integration, nurturing peace and stability, and advancing a rules-based regional order.
“Vietnam has played an integral role as a member of ASEAN with substantive strategic contributions,” he added.
Meanwhile, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said the organization's strength is sustained only when each ASEAN member state thrives and remains committed to the regional community building.
“As ASEAN progresses towards adopting the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, this year, Vietnam's leadership and active role continue to be instrumental in shaping our collective future, he said.
By continuing its proactive and responsible approach, Vietnam is working with other member states to build a united, resilient, and sustainable ASEAN.
