Vietnam strengthens ASEAN ties at foreign ministers meeting in Manila

Vietnam’s delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, played a prominent role at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM‑59) held in Manila from 20–24 July. The Vietnam team highlighted progress on ASEAN community building, the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, and sub‑regional cooperation on energy security and cybercrime through Mekong‑Japan and Mekong‑South Korea meetings.

Vietnam also coordinated ASEAN’s dialogue with the United Kingdom and New Zealand, steering negotiations that resulted in the ASEAN‑UK Action Plan (2027‑2031) and a joint ASEAN‑UK ministers’ declaration. The country’s contributions were noted by other members as helping to cement the UK’s admission as the 28th participant in the ASEAN‑UK Forum.

Overall, the meeting adopted numerous documents translating political commitments into concrete cooperation, reinforcing ASEAN’s cohesion, resilience and connectivity across the region.