Leaders of ASEAN countries proposed a series of strategic priorities for the region to respond to international fluctuations and maintain its central role.
After Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s introductory speech at the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026 this morning, leaders of ASESAN member countries, the Secretary General of ASEAN and the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations presented presentations.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet spoke at the opening session of AFF 2026 on June 9. Image: Giang Huy
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that the theme “Shaping a common future: Peace, prosperity, people-centered” accurately reflects the region’s urgent needs in the context of the world facing profound changes in security, economics and development.
ASEAN has had a remarkable transformation journey, from a region once divided by conflict, ideological differences and lack of trust, to become one of the stable, dynamically developing regions in the world. However, peace is not obvious as security challenges become increasingly complex, from cyber warfare, proxy competition to information manipulation campaigns.
Regarding regional cooperation, the Cambodian Prime Minister pledged to promote coordination in handling cross-border challenges such as transnational crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and environmental degradation. Cambodia also continues to support the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and hopes to soon complete the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) with practical effectiveness.
Mr. Hun Manet said that ASEAN needs to build an economy that is more resilient to shocks, continue to strengthen institutional strength, improve the operational efficiency of the Secretariat and promote the participation and contributions of relevant parties, from businesses, academics to social organizations.
“Peace is a prerequisite for development, prosperity is the ultimate goal of the ASEAN community building process,” said Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone spoke at the opening session of AFF 2026 on June 9. Image: Giang Huy
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said that ASEAN needs to maintain solidarity, improve self-reliance and promote its central role based on the bloc’s fundamental principles.
He proposed four strategic directions for ASEAN in the coming time. The first is to be steadfast in ASEAN principles and methods, promoting multilateral cooperation to ensure regional peace, stability and security. Strengthen adaptability to new trends, especially when digital technology and AI are profoundly changing life and the economy.
The next direction is to promote comprehensive integration and connection, from transportation, logistics to energy infrastructure. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone emphasized the strategic importance of projects such as the Vientiane – Hanoi expressway and the Laos – Vietnam railway along the East – West Economic Corridor, considering these as key driving forces to promote trade, maintain the vitality of the supply chain and enhance people-to-people exchanges.
Finally, strengthen cooperation to ensure energy security, through the development of clean energy sources such as hydropower, solar power and wind power. He affirmed that Laos has great potential in the field of clean energy and is ready to create conditions for ASEAN countries and partners to invest in energy connection infrastructure.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul spoke at the opening session of AFF 2026 on June 9. Image: Giang Huy
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that the world is going through many changes, but this is also an opportunity for ASEAN to affirm its position. According to him, many regions are facing instability, while ASEAN has the potential to become an attractive destination for investment capital flows thanks to its stable and reliable environment.
He said that ASEAN needs to continue to harmonize national interests with regional interests, maintain a central role in the emerging regional structure, and promote the effectiveness of mechanisms led by ASEAN.
Thai leaders said the mechanisms led by ASEAN have proven outstandingly effective in creating an equal cooperation space, contributing to ensuring strategic balance. ASEAN must steadfastly maintain this strategic posture to best adapt to changes in the international environment.
He also emphasized the need to tie regional cooperation closely to the practical interests of the people. ASEAN’s success should not be judged solely by the number of conferences or declarations adopted, but must be truly measured by the level of safety, prosperity and confidence of its people in the future.
AFF 2026, taking place in Hanoi on June 9-10, is the first major high-level multilateral foreign event hosted by Vietnam after the 14th Party Congress. This is the third consecutive year Vietnam hosts AFF, Vietnam’s initiative was announced at the 2023 ASEAN Summit.