This announcement came as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and ASEAN leaders concluded the 47th ASEAN Summit on the afternoon of October 28.

Following three intensive days filled with more than 20 official activities, the summit concluded successfully.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed appreciation to all member states and partners for their substantive contributions and unwavering commitment, which led to the success of this summit – a milestone “guided by perseverance and wise reasoning during a period of profound global upheaval,” and a remarkable reflection of the “ASEAN way.”

He noted that the summit's outcomes would breathe new life into regional integration, enhancing the collective strength and strategic position of an “inclusive and sustainable” ASEAN Community, ready to move forward on its new path of development with 11 member nations.

Vietnam plays a proactive role in shaping ASEAN’s future

Taking over the ASEAN chairmanship for 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines announced the year’s theme: “Steering Together Towards the Future,” with three major priorities – strengthening peace and security, enhancing prosperity corridors, and promoting people empowerment.

Led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Vietnam's delegation actively contributed to nearly 20 multilateral sessions within the summit, offering significant perspectives on ASEAN's future direction.

Vietnam also pushed forward initiatives to build a united, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN Community with people at the center.

On the evening of October 28, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Vietnamese delegation departed Kuala Lumpur for Hanoi, marking the successful completion of the working trip.

A summit of substance amid global uncertainties

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang emphasized that the ASEAN Summit took place against a backdrop of global volatility and regional challenges.

Nearly 70 documents were adopted across ASEAN’s three foundational pillars: political-security, economic, and socio-cultural, reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to building a strong community and enhancing external partnerships.

Timor-Leste’s accession as ASEAN’s 11th full member marked a historic expansion – the first since Vietnam joined in 1995. According to the Deputy Minister, this timely addition broadens ASEAN’s development space and strengthens the bloc’s strategic posture.

ASEAN continues to assert its centrality in maintaining regional peace and stability, as evidenced by its support for Cambodia and Thailand’s joint declaration to implement border peace agreements.

The widespread participation of high-ranking leaders from partner countries and international organizations – including the U.S. President, Chinese Premier, UN Secretary-General, and the President of the European Council – once again affirmed ASEAN’s growing international stature.

During just three days at the summit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held bilateral meetings with leaders from over 20 partner countries. Despite the brief nature of these engagements, they yielded tangible and substantial results.

President Donald Trump of the United States, Premier Li Qiang of China, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae of Japan, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney all expressed support for Vietnam’s proposal to expand high-level delegation exchanges in the near future. Their consensus reflects growing recognition of Vietnam’s regional role and support for its continued stability and development.

Vietnam and several major partners reached important agreements reflecting shared strategic interests.

Premier Li Qiang of China agreed to actively promote the groundbreaking of the Hanoi - Hai Phong - Lao Cai high-speed railway.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a forthcoming USD 20 million project to develop a coastal smart city resilient to natural disasters and climate change.

Of particular note, Vietnam and the United States jointly released a Joint Statement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade Agreements on October 26.

Many foreign leaders and international organizations expressed deep admiration for Vietnam’s remarkable development over the past decades. They reaffirmed the importance of Vietnam’s role and expressed a strong desire to deepen cooperation with both Vietnam and ASEAN.

Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang stated that this reflects Vietnam’s status as a key member state within ASEAN, with the capability to lead and influence the bloc’s future.

Tran Thuong