Speaking at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meeting today, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung emphasized the urgent need for ARF and its member states to transition from "reactive dialogue" to "proactive risk management". This shift is crucial given the current global geopolitical and economic instability, increased strategic competition, and interwoven risks stemming from climate change, cybersecurity, and supply chain disruptions. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, enhancing forecasting capabilities and preventing escalation are key to this new approach.

The ARF must also adapt to new strategic realities. It needs to maintain its position as an inclusive platform, allowing major powers to engage constructively while respecting ASEAN's centrality. Critically, ARF should contribute more actively to the peaceful resolution of disputes, grounding its efforts in international law.

Minister Le Hoai Trung conveyed Vietnam's perspective, calling on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid escalation in the Middle East. He stressed the importance of ensuring safe and continuous passage for vessels and aircraft through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, he advocated for sustained dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meeting in Manila, Philippines on 23/7. *Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs*

The Minister affirmed ASEAN's commitment to continue working with Trung Quoc to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). The goal is to soon achieve a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) that is consistent with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The conference adopted the Manila Action Plan 2026-2036, a guiding document for ARF's activities over the next decade. Ministers highlighted the need for ARF to continue adapting to strategic shifts, maintaining confidence-building measures as a foundation, and promoting substantive preventive diplomacy.

Ministers also agreed to adopt the List of ARF Activities for the inter-sessional year 2026-2027. The conference noted ASEAN's consensus on accepting the United Kingdom as the 28th member of ARF.

Regarding the international and regional situation, ministers shared concerns about complex, multidimensional challenges. These include: food security, energy, climate change, cybersecurity, and issues accompanying emerging technologies.

Participating countries reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. They emphasized resolving disputes peacefully based on international law, especially UNCLOS 1982. The conference stressed ensuring full and effective implementation of the DOC and working towards an early achievement of a substantive and effective COC.

Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung shakes hands with Vice President of the European Commission, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on 23/7. *Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs*

The conference also exchanged views on the situations in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula. Participants called on all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and promote dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace.

The 33rd ARF meeting took place within the framework of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-59) and other related meetings in Manila, Philippines.

ARF comprises countries with shared interests in Asia-Pacific security and is considered one of the most important forums for regional security cooperation. The Forum has complemented existing bilateral alliance mechanisms and various dialogues in Asia, further strengthening the prospects for security cooperation in this region.

On the same day, Minister Le Hoai Trung engaged in other activities. These included attending the 14th Mekong - Republic of Korea Ministerial Meeting and the 16th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting. He also met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Vice President of the European Commission, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

Pham Giang