ASEAN Regional Forum Adopts Action Plan for 2026-2036

On July 23, the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) took place in Manila, Philippines, within the framework of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-59) and related meetings. The Vietnamese delegation was led by Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Le Hoai Trung. The "Manila Action Plan," covering the period from 2026 to 2036, was adopted at this ARF session. This plan outlines concrete initiatives across various sectors, including strengthening regional security cooperation, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security. Vietnam also co-chaired the 23rd meeting of the ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting on Disaster Relief. This initiative aims to enhance response capabilities to increasingly frequent natural disasters, reaffirming the importance of information sharing and joint training among member states. India emphasized the significant role of ASEAN forums in maintaining regional security. Furthermore, the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum confirmed its continued efforts to facilitate regional economic growth, while the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 was seen as an opportunity for member states to jointly shape the future of regional tourism. Vietnam reiterated its commitment to contributing to ASEAN's peace, stability, and deepened economic integration through the ARF framework. Under its one-party system, Vietnam prioritizes economic growth, making enhanced regional cooperation a crucial element for stabilizing external relations and fostering development. Particularly concerning its relationship with China, while navigating sensitive issues like the South China Sea, Vietnam seeks constructive dialogue and cooperation through multilateral forums like the ARF.