Scene of the meeting. Photo: VOV

Addressing the meeting, PM Chinh echoed the leaders’ assessments, noting the world is undergoing a rapid and complex transformation. In this context, the Vietnamese PM stressed that ASEAN must steadfastly pursue a path of dialogue instead of confrontation, cooperation instead of competition, unity instead of division, and self-reliance instead of dependence. More than ever, ASEAN must strengthen internal solidarity, uphold its centrality, and maintain balanced relations with major powers by making full use of the bloc’s existing cooperation mechanisms, the PM emphasized.

Sharing concerns over the potential impacts of the tariff policy adjustments on countries, including ASEAN members, PM Chinh emphasized that these challenges also present opportunities for ASEAN to enhance self-reliance and self-strengthening, and restructure its trade relations.

He urged the bloc to prioritize strengthening its internal capacity and expanding cooperation space by increasing intra-bloc trade and investment, capitalizing on new growth drivers such as digital transformation and green economy, stimulating regional consumption, and improving energy and transport connectivity to facilitate the flow of goods.

The PM expressed strong support for the early conclusion of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the upgrade of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement. He also called for the more effective utilization of ASEAN’s economic partnership network, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and urged progress in finalizing free trade agreements with partners such as Canada. Furthermore, he encouraged upgrading existing FTAs with China and India to help diversify markets, products, and supply chains.

The Vietnamese PM voiced his deep concern over recent complicated developments in the East Sea, reiterating that ASEAN must make greater efforts to affirm its centrality in addressing the issue, which is closely linked to regional peace, security, and stability. He called on the bloc to maintain unity and uphold its principled position on the East Sea issue.

Regarding the situation in Myanmar, PM Chinh welcomed the proactive and timely efforts of the ASEAN Chair, particularly initiatives aimed at mediating among relevant parties and promoting progress in implementing the Five-point Consensus. The Five-point Consensus or 5PC, calls for an immediate end to violence, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy to Myanmar, and the envoy’s direct engagement with all stakeholders.