Vietnam’s contributions to the 31st ASEAN Summit and related summits manifested its maturity in integration competence and its increasingly important role in the region, affirmed Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung.
Answering reporters’ queries related to the summits, which took place in Manila, the Philippines, from November 12-14, Dung said that Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc led a Vietnamese delegation to attend the summits, contributing to the cooperation between ASEAN and its partners and the summits’ success.
The PM attended more than 30 bilateral and multilateral activities. At the 31st ASEAN Summit, he delivered a speech during which he highlighted three areas of ASEAN cooperation, namely renewing the ASEAN Community’s character, enhancing intra-bloc economic connectivity and promoting the central role of ASEAN.
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In other summits, the Vietnamese leader made proposals to deepen ASEAN cooperation as well as collaboration between ASEAN and its partners. He also shared Vietnam’s stance on the East Sea issue, the nuclear matter in the Korean Peninsula and violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
On this occasion, PM Phuc also held bilateral meetings with leaders of several countries and international organisations, Dung said.
According to the Deputy Foreign Minister, the 31st ASEAN Summit and related summits took place right after the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Vietnam’s central Da Nang city, showing Vietnam’s active role in any position and at any forum.
Dung also said that a total of 11 summits were held in Manila, including the 31st ASEAN Summit and ASEAN’s summits with partners, together with a gala celebrating the 50th founding anniversary of ASEAN and meetings between leaders and enterprises.
On the occasion, leaders signed the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, and adopted or took note of 55 documents, including 23 documents of ASEAN and 32 documents between ASEAN and its partners, he noted, adding that all of these deals relate to people’s interests directly or indirectly, from social issues on labourers’ rights, job opportunities, gender equality, health care, and poverty reduction to trade facilitation.
The summits showed ASEAN member states’ efforts to reach a common voice as well as partners’ backing for the development of the ASEAN Community and the central role of ASEAN in the region, Dung stressed.
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam urged the Vietnam Trade Union to reform more rapidly, deeply and substantively. It must work together with the State, enterprises and training facilities to improve workers’ professional qualifications, digital skills and adaptability.
VGCL President Nguyen Anh Tuan said achievements obtained over the past ternure reflect the close guidance of the Party, effective coordination among State agencies, local authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organisations, support from employers and, above all, the dedication and innovation demonstrated by trade union officials, members and workers across the country.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung emphasised the need to further improve institutions and policy frameworks, develop digital infrastructure and data resources, and create the necessary conditions for science, technology, innovation and digital transformation to become new drivers of economic growth.
Prof. Huang Rihan of Huaqiao University in China’s Fujian province said the Vietnamese leader’s address highlighted three major crises currently facing the world - the crisis of the international order, the crisis of development models, and the crisis of strategic trust.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang said that alongside the robust growth of relations between the two countries, defence cooperation has continued to develop extensively and intensively, becoming increasingly practical and effective.
Adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 24, 2024, and opened for signature in Hanoi in October 2025, the convention is the first global multilateral treaty dedicated to combating cybercrime.
The visits also took place at a time when the Philippines is serving as ASEAN Chair in 2026, Singapore is preparing to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027, and Vietnam is set to host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2027.
Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, expressed her emotion at seeing the children’s optimism despite difficult circumstances, noting that both Vietnam and the Philippines place children at the centre of their development policies, from education, health care to child protection.
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, his spouse and a high-level Vietnamese delegation departed Manila on June 1, concluding a successful state visit to the Republic of the Philippines from May 31 to June 1 at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his spouse.
Participants reviewed rental housing demand in each area, considering different market segments and target groups. They also examined the gap between supply and demand, and pinpointed issues in policy frameworks.
Vietnam and the Philippines have agreed to elevate their relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, opening a new phase of cooperation in politics, defence and security, economic ties and other key areas.
Vietnam and the Philippines on June 1 issued a Joint Statement on the Enhanced Strategic Partnership during General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam’s state visit to the Philippines.
Economic cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines should move to a new level, with greater emphasis on quality, depth and substance, as the two countries seek to maximise opportunities under their newly upgraded Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse are paying state visit to the Philippines from May 31 to June 1 at the invitation of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his spouse.
General Secretary and President To Lam encouraged the Vietnamese in the Philippines to remain united, abide by local laws, contribute practically to the homeland and continue fostering friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
By moving from crisis response to proactive risk reduction, Vietnam has positioned itself as a responsible and mature “architect” of regional peace, said a Malaysia-based expert.
The President Ho Chi Minh monument in the ASEAN Garden holds profound historical, cultural, and diplomatic significance, reflecting the friendship between Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as the solidarity within the ASEAN community.
The trip demonstrates Vietnam's high regard for its friendship and cooperation with the Philippines, as well as with ASEAN and the Southeast Asian region.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam on May 30 met with leaders of major Singaporean corporations, technology companies, financial institutions and banks with long-standing investments and business operations in Vietnam.
General Secretary and President Lam expressed his hope that the community will remain united, preserve the Vietnamese language and cultural identity, and strengthen ties with the homeland.