Deputy FM Giang addressed the ASEAN-New Zealand Forum on Subregional Cooperation and a workshop commemorating the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN-UK Dialogue Partnership. The events were hosted by Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its capacity as coordinator of ASEAN’s relations with New Zealand and the UK for 2024-2027.
ASEAN and New Zealand's delegates recommended incorporating subregional cooperation priorities into the ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action 2026-2030, especially under the People and Planet pillars. They said subregional cooperation is both about development assistance and ensuring resilience, shared prosperity, and inclusive development in all of ASEAN.
Support for vulnerable communities in the Mekong subregion in enhancing disaster resilience and livelihood transition will strengthen ASEAN's foundation in the new context, the delegates said.
At the ASEAN-UK workshop, delegates called for more strategic dialogue, broader cooperation, and more flexible mechanisms between ASEAN and the UK to address regional challenges. They shared their expectations, viewpoints, and recommendations to help ASEAN and the UK fully realize the strategic potential of their partnership.
UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Seema Malhotra said the UK is committed to deepening ties with ASEAN. She also voiced strong support for ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
