Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' regular press briefing on June 4, spokesperson Pham Thu Hang provided details about the third ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026, scheduled to take place in Hanoi from June 9-10.

On the occasion of the forum, and at the invitation of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone will pay an official visit to Vietnam from June 7-9. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will visit from June 8-9, while Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao will make an official visit from June 7-10.

According to Hang, Vietnam-Laos relations have continued to deepen and expand effectively across all sectors. The two countries attach special importance to one another and place the highest priority on their bilateral ties within their respective foreign policies. Strategic connectivity has been further incorporated into the relationship, helping redefine bilateral cooperation in a changing regional context.

Vietnam's ties with neighbors continue to strengthen

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Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang speaks at a regular press briefing in Hanoi on June 4.

Relations between Vietnam and Cambodia have developed comprehensively and effectively in multiple areas. Recent high-level exchanges have opened a new phase of cooperation, with both sides agreeing on important new elements in their bilateral relationship and setting directions for more substantive, effective and trustworthy collaboration.

Vietnam and Timor-Leste have also enjoyed positive relations since establishing diplomatic ties. In July 2025, Vietnam opened its embassy in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste.

Investment cooperation has emerged as a bright spot in bilateral relations, particularly through the successful operations of Telemor (Viettel Timor), which has contributed significantly to the development of Timor-Leste's telecommunications sector. The two countries also coordinate closely at multilateral forums, especially within ASEAN and the United Nations.

During their visits, the prime ministers of Laos, Cambodia and Timor-Leste are expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, pay courtesy calls on Vietnam's senior leaders and participate in other important diplomatic activities.

ASEAN Future Forum focuses on peace and people-centered development

This year's ASEAN Future Forum carries the theme: "Shaping a Shared Future of Peace, Prosperity and People-Centered Growth."

The forum will feature a wide range of activities, including plenary sessions on resilience, conflict prevention, artificial intelligence, energy security and development models.

Additional events include dialogues among Southeast Asian political parties, a conference of ASEAN city leaders, a Mekong sub-region roundtable, a Southeast Asian youth roundtable and a discussion on artificial intelligence governance.

To date, organizers have recorded more than 600 registered participants, including senior leaders from Vietnam and ASEAN member states, representatives of international organizations, research institutes, businesses and academic experts.

"We hope the forum will generate new ideas and innovative solutions to help realize our shared vision of a more cohesive and adaptive ASEAN," Hang said.

Tran Thuong