Welcoming the Vietnamese delegation at Mactan-Cebu International Airport were National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban Jr., Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan and representatives of the ASEAN Summit Organising Committee.

Representing Vietnam at the welcoming ceremony were Ambassador Lai Thai Binh, Ambassador and Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to ASEAN Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, along with officials and staff from the Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines.

This marks PM Le Minh Hung’s first overseas trip since taking office and also his first in-person participation at a multilateral summit as head of the Vietnamese Government, underscoring Vietnam’s proactive, responsible and active commitment to ASEAN cooperation.

Vietnam officially joined ASEAN on July 28, 1995, and has consistently regarded the bloc as a strategic priority in its foreign policy.

Since becoming a member, Vietnam has actively and responsibly participated across all three ASEAN Community pillars and cooperation areas, making significant contributions to ASEAN Community-building and helping maintain a peaceful, stable and cooperative regional environment.

More than three decades after joining ASEAN, Vietnam has emerged as one of the bloc’s core members, working closely with fellow ASEAN countries to preserve regional stability, strengthen partnerships and maximise ASEAN’s economic integration networks to boost trade and investment.

Vietnam has also effectively leveraged ASEAN cooperation frameworks and partner support to advance its socio-economic development goals.

As ASEAN Chair for 2026, the Philippines has adopted the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together” focusing on three major priorities: strengthening key foundations for peace and security, expanding pathways for prosperity and empowering ASEAN citizens.

The 48th ASEAN Summit is expected to focus discussions on energy security, food security and protection of ASEAN citizens, while continuing efforts to enhance regional connectivity, strategic resilience, self-reliance and ASEAN centrality.

During the summit, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is expected to deliver several important speeches conveying Vietnam’s foreign policy priorities following the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The Vietnamese leader is also expected to present practical proposals aimed at strengthening the ASEAN Community-building process and enhancing ASEAN’s resilience amid growing global uncertainties, including the impacts of tensions in the Middle East.

The summit will additionally provide an opportunity for Vietnam to exchange views on regional and international issues of shared concern.

On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is scheduled to hold meetings with ASEAN leaders to strengthen friendship, deepen political trust and promote substantive and effective cooperation.

Vietnamese PM’s ASEAN Summit trip signals strong commitment to regional cooperation

VOV.VN - As ASEAN enters a critical transition period shaped by growing geopolitical uncertainty and global economic volatility, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s participation in the 48th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines is viewed as a clear demonstration of Vietnam’s proactive and responsible role within the regional bloc