Hanoi, February 27, 2025 – The Europe Today: The high-level plenary session of the second ASEAN Future Forum convened in Hanoi on Wednesday, bringing together Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính of Vietnam, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta. The discussions centered on rule-based global governance, economic collaboration, and climate action within the region.
Addressing governance issues, Prime Minister Chính reaffirmed the importance of upholding international laws, particularly those established by the United Nations (UN), to maintain global stability. “We must respect the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of nations. Disputes should be resolved through peaceful means, without threatening or using force,” he stated. He emphasized that issues such as territorial, religious, or ethnic disputes must be settled through negotiations and diplomacy to prevent conflicts and wars.
The Vietnamese Prime Minister also highlighted ASEAN’s foundational principle of “unity in diversity,” underscoring the bloc’s commitment to neutrality and flexibility in addressing regional and international challenges. “Our focus must be on common interests to ensure a peaceful, cooperative, and prosperous regional environment,” he said, advocating for mutual assistance and shared development among ASEAN member states.
Economic Self-Reliance and Technological Advancement
Prime Minister Chính stressed the need for nations to prioritize self-reliance and strategic proactivity in foreign relations, economic growth, social welfare, national defense, and cultural preservation. “In foreign relations, we must maintain a balanced stance and conduct affairs fairly and amicably to create a stable environment based on rules and cooperation,” he asserted. Economic resilience, he added, is crucial for a country’s inclusive growth and national security.
On the topic of ASEAN’s potential in the semiconductor industry, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for coordinated efforts within the bloc. “If we want to harness the full potential of ASEAN’s 700-million-strong population, we need to collaborate on high-end training and technical upskilling beyond design and packaging,” he said. He proposed a joint training initiative between Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore to bolster ASEAN’s competitiveness in the sector.
Addressing Climate Change and Youth Engagement
The forum also examined the role of youth in climate action and governance. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon encouraged young people to actively participate in politics and drive environmental initiatives. “New Zealand is among the top five countries globally in renewable energy, and we are committed to doubling our efforts for a cleaner future. We are also open to sharing our technology with ASEAN partners,” he said.
Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta urged a proactive approach to environmental restoration. “Instead of focusing on historical grievances, we should prioritize reforestation, river and lake preservation, and sustainable resource management,” he stated.
Responding to concerns over climate change, Prime Minister Chính highlighted its global and comprehensive impact, calling for international solidarity. “No country can tackle climate change alone. The world develops unevenly, and developed nations must support developing and less-developed countries in five key areas: institutional development, technology transfer, financial incentives, workforce training, and smart governance,” he explained.
He also underscored Vietnam’s commitment to green energy, green transportation, and carbon credit trading. Notably, Vietnam is implementing a pioneering one-million-hectare low-emission rice program in the Mekong Delta to advance global food security.
Cybersecurity and Regional Cooperation
Discussing cybersecurity, Prime Minister Chính acknowledged the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology, emphasizing the need for proactive adaptation. He expressed satisfaction that the United Nations had selected Việt Nam as the venue for signing the Hà Nội Convention on Cybersecurity, reinforcing the country’s role in global digital security efforts.
Strengthening ASEAN and Bilateral Partnerships
Prime Minister Chính reiterated Vietnam’s support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 and its major initiatives to address regional challenges. He also reaffirmed Vietnam’s backing for Timor-Leste’s early accession to ASEAN and endorsed the enhancement of New Zealand’s ties with the bloc.
Additionally, he expressed gratitude to New Zealand for its longstanding support in training Vietnamese workers, particularly in English language education, during difficult periods of economic sanctions and blockades.
The ASEAN Future Forum provided a significant platform for regional leaders to reaffirm their commitment to multilateral cooperation, economic resilience, and sustainable development, ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
