The meeting is seen as a key milestone marking the transition from the ASEAN Community-building period (2015–2025) to the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, at a time of increasing regional and global uncertainty.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang noted the gathering would be the first major leaders’ meeting under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026 and an opportunity to define long-term strategic directions.

ASEAN faces a range of challenges, including intensifying major power competition, supply chain disruptions, energy and food security concerns, and broader global volatility.

Against this backdrop, the bloc is beginning to implement the ASEAN Vision 2045 framework, structured around four pillars: political-security, economic, socio-cultural, and connectivity. The framework aims to strengthen unity, enhance resilience, and reinforce ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture.

Giang noted that ASEAN has stepped up coordination through consultation mechanisms, including special ministerial meetings, to align positions and promote collective action. This approach reflects the bloc’s increasing adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.

According to the agenda, the 48th ASEAN Summit will focus on three main priorities.

First, the Summit will centre on strengthening unity and resilience within ASEAN, particularly in key areas such as energy security, food security, supply chain stability, and the protection of citizens in emergency situations.

Second, it will advance the implementation of ASEAN’s strategic frameworks, including the Vision 2045 and the Philippines’ priorities for its 2026 Chairmanship. This priority will place particular emphasis on building a resilient, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN Community.

Third, the Summit will reinforce ASEAN’s central role and unified voice in the regional architecture. This will be grounded in international law and multilateralism, while also promoting enhanced cooperation with external partners in order to maintain peace and stability in the region.

The summit is also expected to demonstrate ASEAN’s collective commitment to building a peaceful, stable and sustainable region.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is expected to lead a high-level delegation to attend the summit at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.

The trip will mark his first overseas engagement in his new role and his first participation in an ASEAN Summit, underscoring Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation.

Giang reaffirmed that ASEAN remains a top strategic priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy, with the country committed to contributing proactively and responsibly to the bloc’s development.

During the summit, Vietnam is expected to coordinate with other members to advance shared priorities, engage in discussions on urgent issues such as energy and food security, and propose practical initiatives to enhance ASEAN’s collective response capacity.

The Deputy Foreign Minister expressed confidence that with thorough preparation and a comprehensive agenda, Vietnam’s participation in the 48th ASEAN Summit will help reinforce its image as an active and responsible member, while further elevating its role within ASEAN as well as enhancing relations between Vietnam and other ASEAN member states.

PM Le Minh Hung to attend 48th ASEAN Summit in Philippines

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Le Minh Hung will lead a high-level Vietnamese delegation to the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, from May 7 to 8, 2026.