As regional leaders gather in Hanoi, the ASEAN Future Forum is evolving from a platform for ideas into a force helping shape Southeast Asia’s future.
Today, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul are leading high-level delegations from their respective countries on official visits to Vietnam and participation in the ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi.
Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit comes as relations between Vietnam and Cambodia continue to be strengthened and expanded across all areas of cooperation.
The two sides have been actively implementing strategic orientations agreed upon by senior leaders of the two parties and countries during Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s state visit to Cambodia and participation in the high-level meeting of the two parties and three parties in February.
Economic, trade and investment cooperation remains a bright spot in bilateral relations. During the first four months of 2026, two-way trade reached USD 5.03 billion, up 8% compared with the same period in 2025.
Vietnam is Cambodia’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export market. Vietnam also ranks fifth among foreign investors in Cambodia.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, in early May. Photo: Nhat Bac
Defence and security continue to serve as important pillars of bilateral cooperation. Both countries have effectively implemented activities under annual cooperation plans between their defence ministries, as well as between Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, contributing to peace and stability in both countries and the wider region.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s visit takes place as Vietnam and Thailand celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The trip comes immediately after the late-May visit to Thailand by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse.
The visit is a clear and vivid demonstration of Thailand’s commitment to its bilateral relationship with Vietnam and its determination to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
According to information published on the Thai Prime Minister’s website on June 7, government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said Prime Minister Anutin would lead a high-level delegation of government officials and business leaders to Hanoi. Thailand expects the visit to build on the momentum generated by To Lam’s recent trip.
The composition of the delegation highlights Thailand’s focus on trade, investment, energy, tourism, industry, logistics and private-sector cooperation.
Rachada said Prime Minister Anutin would hold talks with Vietnamese leaders and meet Thai businesses operating in Vietnam as both countries seek to expand cooperation beyond diplomatic goodwill into practical projects.
The delegation includes key economic ministers, senior government officials, military leaders and representatives from more than ten leading Thai companies investing in Vietnam.
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul witnessed the exchange of cooperation agreements during To Lam’s recent visit to Thailand. Photo: VNA
The Thai government spokesperson said the visit aims to identify areas that can be advanced “immediately” with Vietnam, including trade expansion, investment promotion, logistics connectivity, clean energy, food security and human resource development.
Both governments believe cooperation should not remain limited to agreements and meetings, but should be translated into concrete work plans, projects and tangible outcomes that benefit citizens and businesses in both countries.
Thailand and Vietnam are targeting bilateral trade of USD 25 billion. According to Thai government data, current trade turnover stands at around USD 24 billion. The two countries have also agreed to pursue cooperation under the “Three Connects” strategy, covering production connectivity, infrastructure connectivity and transformation connectivity.
Firsts for the ASEAN Future Forum
The ASEAN Future Forum 2026 (AFF) marks the third consecutive year that Vietnam has hosted the event. More than 500 delegates are expected to attend under the so-called “Track 1.5” format, which brings together government representatives and non-government participants, including academics, business leaders, journalists and regional and international organizations representing public interests.
For the first time, AFF will welcome five heads of government from ASEAN member states simultaneously: Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão.
Their participation highlights both regional solidarity and Vietnam’s proactive, responsible role within ASEAN.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his spouse arrived in Hanoi on June 7. Photo: VNA
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão arrived in Hanoi on June 7. Photo: VNA
Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, said that since Vietnam launched AFF, the initiative has aimed to support ASEAN’s official cooperation mechanisms and contribute to the broader ASEAN Community-building process.
As a result, Vietnam selects each year’s theme to support the ASEAN Chair in advancing the bloc’s priorities and common agenda.
“The core message we want to convey is that Vietnam is proactively contributing as a responsible member of the ASEAN Community to the process of ASEAN Community-building,” Nguyen Hung Son said.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and ASEAN leaders attend the retreat session of the 48th ASEAN Summit on May 8. Photo: VGP
This year’s forum introduces several important innovations, particularly through broader and more diverse participation.
One of the most notable additions is the first-ever participation of ASEAN political parties, which will discuss ways to strengthen inter-party cooperation and help realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Another significant development is the involvement of leaders from major ASEAN cities. Their participation is considered crucial because cities are home to large populations and serve as centres of economic growth, politics, culture, science and technology.
Closer cooperation among these cities is expected to enhance regional effectiveness and accelerate progress toward shared ASEAN goals.
Finally, young people - ASEAN’s future leaders - remain an indispensable part of the forum. Their presence continues to inject creativity, openness and forward-looking thinking into discussions.
The ASEAN Future Forum is expected to continue evolving into an annual platform and a true “incubator” for innovative ideas, contributing to ASEAN’s sustainable development and long-term future.
Vietnamnet.vn
Podcast
.svg){kind=icon}
