Vietnam Proposes Energy Security as ASEAN Pillar at Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Vietnam proposed making energy security and transition a pillar of ASEAN-Canada relations at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-59) and Related Meetings in Manila, the Philippines. The Vietnamese delegation urged Canada to support the implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid and expand cooperation in renewable energy, hydrogen, energy storage, and civilian nuclear power. On the sidelines of the meeting, Le Hoai Trung, Politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Wang Yi, Politburo member, Director of the Office of the Commission for Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China. This meeting underscored Vietnam's strategy of maintaining dialogue with China, a major regional power, despite ongoing issues such as the South China Sea dispute. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man received Hagiuda Koichi, Executive Acting Secretary-General of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in Hanoi. This meeting reaffirmed the deepening of bilateral relations between Vietnam and Japan across various sectors including economy, security, and culture. Vietnam views Japan as a crucial partner and anticipates expanded economic cooperation and investment. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung held his first phone talks with Canadian counterpart Mark Carney. The conversation aimed to promote energy cooperation and strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Domestically, recovery efforts are underway in Muong Than Commune, Lai Chau Province, following recent flash floods. A Deputy Prime Minister inspected the affected areas, directing swift support for victims and rapid infrastructure restoration. This highlights Vietnam's challenges in enhancing its response capabilities to climate change impacts in vulnerable regions. Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Agreement signing in 1954, a pivotal moment in Vietnam's history of peace and independence, was also noted. This event signifies Vietnam's commitment to learning from its past experiences and applying them to its current foreign policy and national sovereignty. Furthermore, Vietnam is focusing on investment and human resource development in advanced technology sectors, evidenced by the Vietnam–Singapore Semiconductor Industry Development Cooperation Forum, aimed at fostering national development and improving citizens' lives. Information source: VietnamPlus English