This will be Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s first overseas trip in his capacity as head of government, as well as the first multilateral conference he will attend in person.

At the summit, the Prime Minister is expected to deliver key speeches conveying the foreign policy direction of the 14th Party Congress, outline Vietnam’s perspectives on ASEAN priorities, and propose practical measures to strengthen ASEAN Community-building. His remarks will also focus on enhancing ASEAN’s resilience and adaptability in the face of global uncertainties, particularly the impacts of developments in the Middle East, while addressing regional and international issues of shared concern.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders of participating countries to promote cooperation and exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

The summit will be attended by leaders of ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretary-General. On May 7, preparatory meetings will take place, including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting, and joint sessions between foreign and economic ministers.

Despite facing multiple challenges, ASEAN continues to strengthen its Community based on achievements from the 2015-2025 period, while beginning the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its strategic plans. The bloc aims to build a resilient, dynamic, innovative, and people-centered ASEAN.

While maintaining unity and centrality, ASEAN must also navigate both internal and external challenges.

As ASEAN Chair in 2026, the Philippines has set the theme “Navigating Our Shared Future” and outlined three major directions for regional cooperation: strengthening key pillars of peace and security, expanding corridors of prosperity, and empowering people.

The 48th ASEAN Summit is one of two regular annual meetings of ASEAN leaders in 2026. It serves as an important platform for leaders to exchange comprehensive assessments of global and regional developments, and to align on strategic directions and measures to enhance ASEAN cooperation.

The Philippines has proposed that this summit focus on three key areas: ensuring energy security, food security, and the protection of ASEAN citizens. At the same time, it emphasizes continuing efforts to advance strategic priorities, including strengthening intra-regional connectivity, enhancing resilience and strategic autonomy, and maintaining ASEAN centrality, in line with the goals of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

With a proactive, positive, sincere, and responsible approach, the Vietnamese delegation will work closely with the Philippine Chair and other ASEAN member states to contribute to the overall success of the summit.

Tran Thuong