Talking to the press in Jakarta, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said recent global developments, particularly the increasingly complex situation in the Middle East, have affected multiple sectors. He stressed that one of the most pressing issues at present is the risk of an energy crisis, adding that this year’s summit will focus on energy and related sectors.

On the broader direction of the summit, Kao Kim Hourn laid stress on priorities would centre on strengthening ASEAN’s coordinated response at both regional and national levels in order to effectively deal with increasingly multidimensional challenges and uncertainties.

According to the ASEAN chief, energy security is closely linked to food security, which he described as a matter of vital importance. He noted that rising energy prices in recent years have driven up agricultural production costs and food prices, prompting ASEAN to prioritise discussions on measures to secure supplies, stabilise prices and maintain public access to food across the region.

Kao Kim Hourn also said leaders at the summit would discuss citizen protection and migrant workers in response to instability in the Middle East, where large numbers of ASEAN workers live and work. Member states are believed to be strengthening coordination in providing consular assistance, protecting the rights and safety of citizens, and promoting cooperation mechanisms to respond promptly to emergencies.

On ASEAN cooperation in addressing challenges such as energy and food security, the Secretary-General said the bloc is pursuing a comprehensive approach that combines both short-term and long-term solutions.

In the energy sector, ASEAN leaders have promoted upgrades to the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) while accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and biomass energy, as well as electric vehicle development.

Amid forecasts that the region’s energy demand could rise 2.6-fold by 2045, Kao Kim Hourn stated that ASEAN needs to ramp up cooperation through mechanisms such as the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), expand infrastructure connectivity, particularly intra-regional gas pipeline systems, and diversify supply sources.

He noted that several member states are also considering nuclear energy, underlining the need to broaden cooperation and avoid dependence on a single energy source. It is essential for member states to fast-track ratification of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA) in response to current realities.

In the area of food security, ASEAN is considering measures to improve the efficiency and flexibility of food reserve mechanisms such as the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve. Although the mechanism has proven useful, Kao Kim Hourn said greater flexibility is needed, particularly in improving access to reserves for countries and communities facing difficulties.

At the same time, intra-regional cooperation and efforts to diversify supplies from external partners are also being promoted in order to avoid dependence on any single source. The goal is to ensure stable supplies, control prices and meet public demand under various scenarios.

On the digital economy, the Secretary-General said ASEAN is accelerating negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is expected to be completed this year. He said the agreement would help build a connected, dynamic and highly competitive digital ecosystem to support regional economic growth.

ASEAN’s overall approach is aimed at strengthening self-reliance, deepening regional connectivity and improving resilience against global volatility. He stressed that the ability to respond resiliently is key to ASEAN’s sustainable future development, he continued.

Assessing Vietnam’s role and contributions to ASEAN in recent years and in the future, the Secretary-General said Vietnam has made important contributions across multiple areas, from maintaining peace and stability to advancing regional integration and building the ASEAN Community. He spoke highly of Vietnam’s strong growth momentum and the efforts the country has undertaken in recent years, while expressing confidence that Vietnam would continue to play an active role.

As ASEAN begins implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, Kao Kim Hourn expressed his hoped that Vietnam’s role will become increasingly important in shaping the region’s long-term development directions.

With Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung attending the ASEAN Summit for the first time, the Kao Kim Hourn said Vietnam’s new leadership continues to demonstrate stability and strategic vision, creating an important foundation for broader contributions to ASEAN processes.

Vietnam is therefore expected to continue contributing actively across ASEAN’s three pillars, namely the Political-Security Community, the Economic Community and the Socio-Cultural Community, while enhancing regional connectivity through infrastructure and economic connectivity projects.

In addition, Vietnam’s role in mechanisms such as the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) reflects its practical contributions to narrowing development gaps and enhancing regional cohesion, Kao Kim Hourn said. He expressed confidence that Vietnam would continue to be an important, responsible and effective contributor to the regional grouping’s future development.

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