Speaking to reporters ahead of the visit, Dang said Viet Nam's participation in ASEAN features proactive and responsible spirit and substantive contributions to the bloc’s common work.

Le's participation stands as a testament to Viet Nam's consistent pursuance of the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development, alongside diversification and multilateralization of external relations, in line with the 14th National Party Congress. It also reaffirms ASEAN as a top strategic priority in Viet Nam's foreign policy.

Viet Nam aims to work closely with ASEAN members to maintain peace and stability, uphold ASEAN's unity and centrality, and strengthen the bloc's capacity to address emerging challenges. This, in turn, will support sustainable development across the region and deepen Viet Nam's bilateral ties within ASEAN.

Viet Nam will prioritize effective implementation of the 2026 Chairmanship agenda and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, contributing to a resilient, dynamic, innovative, and people-centered ASEAN. It will also promote a peaceful and stable environment, uphold international law and multilateralism, enhance regional connectivity, and deepen ties with partners to reinforce ASEAN's central role.

In addition, Viet Nam plans to actively contribute to key agenda items, particularly pressing issues such as energy security, food security, and citizen protection, while advancing practical initiatives to help ASEAN respond to increasingly complex external challenges.

On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is set to hold bilateral meetings with other ASEAN leaders to strengthen friendship, enhance political trust, and promote effective cooperation. These will also be his first direct engagements with regional leaders in his new position.

Regarding the 48th ASEAN Summit, themed "Navigating Our Future, Together," Dang noted that it marks the first summit of the Philippines' ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2026 and the beginning of a new development phase following a decade of ASEAN Community-building from 2015 to 2025.

As 2026 launches the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its strategic plans across key pillars, these frameworks will guide efforts to build a united, resilient ASEAN that continues to play a central role in regional cooperation.

Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang

The summit takes place amid rapidly evolving global and regional landscape, including tensions in the Middle East and challenges such as strategic competition, supply chain disruptions, energy and food security concerns, and rising protectionism—all of which are affecting regional stability and livelihoods.

Against this backdrop, the summit will provide a platform for ASEAN leaders to discuss key issues, align strategic directions, and adopt measures to strengthen solidarity, resilience, and ASEAN's overall role. It is expected to focus on enhancing unity and response capacity in critical areas, advancing strategic priorities including the Vision 2045, and reinforcing ASEAN's centrality through international law, multilateralism, and stronger partnerships./.