ASEAN Promotes Strategic Cooperation for Regional Health Security

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has launched the ASEAN Strategic Health Agenda (ASHA) 2026-2030, a key milestone aimed at strengthening regional health security. This agenda will serve as the region's health roadmap for the next five years. The launch coincided with a film festival featuring films from six ASEAN member states: Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand, along with ASEAN+3 partners China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. This cultural event underscores the importance of regional cooperation. A survey of around 150 European business leaders indicated stronger expectations for trade and investment across ASEAN, reflecting ongoing efforts to boost regional economic vitality and international competitiveness. However, the regional landscape faces complexities. Sin Chansereyvutha, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Secretariat of Civil Aviation of Cambodia, noted that passenger traffic through airports has not increased as expected due to the impact of conflicts in the Middle East. Cargo traffic, however, continues to grow steadily. As of September 9, air operations at affected airports had gradually resumed, though airlines were required to thoroughly inspect aircraft for safety risks posed by volcanic ash particles. In Thailand, as of August 31, there were over 1 million active legal entities with a total registered capital of 24.13 trillion THB. The service sector dominated, followed by wholesale and retail, and manufacturing. A Cambodian official emphasized that enterprise growth should be assessed not only by the number of new entities but also by their contributions to investment, production, job creation, and household incomes. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang urged ASEAN to fully utilize existing mechanisms to enhance dialogue, build trust, and prevent risks and conflicts. This includes strengthening the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ), alongside cooperation based on international law. This call highlights ASEAN's commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Discussions also touched upon tapping into local potential to improve livelihoods while ensuring sustainable protection and conservation of natural resources. The state visit by top Vietnamese leader To Lam to Russia is historic, marking the first visit by a Vietnamese leader holding both General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President positions since 1991. This visit symbolizes the strong ties between the two nations and Vietnam's foreign policy aimed at deepening cooperation across various fields, including security. President To Lam noted Timor-Leste's pursuit of sustainable development, regional connectivity, and expanded international cooperation, particularly seeking investment in energy, tourism, and emerging sectors. Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hai Luu highlighted Vietnam’s achievements in promoting gender equality, with 13 out of 20 national targets met or exceeded by 2025. Positive reactions to General Secretary and President To Lam’s visit have reaffirmed Vietnam’s steady foreign policy amid global changes and the enduring trust and friendship between Vietnam and Russia. The Philippine Coast Guard reported a ferry fire on MV June Aster on September 9, resulting in at least five deaths and nearly 90 missing. Cambodia's potential for nature-based tourism, supported by its rich natural resources, was also highlighted. Thailand's regulatory adjustments aim to simplify foreign business operations and clarify licensing, fostering economic development and competitiveness. A joint campaign produced seven short videos featuring signature dishes from Cambodian provinces. The state visit by the top Vietnamese leader underscores the continued strengthening of ties between Vietnam and Russia. For the Lao people, Vietnam’s achievements are a source of pride and encouragement. The special relationship forged through history will continue to be reinforced through present cooperation and future shared aspirations. Vietnam's drive for industrialization, higher productivity, technological mastery, and deeper international integration creates significant room for Russian businesses and technology providers to expand their engagement in the country, according to Geofor. This indicates Vietnam's ambition to expand its role in global supply chains and drive technological innovation. According to the Élysée Palace, General Secretary and President To Lam's visit to France aims to drive the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2024, reinforcing strategic autonomy and supporting Vietnam's development goals. The resolution designates 2027–2036 as the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development. A national campaign against online scams from July 2025 to August 2026 is detailed, focusing on disrupting networks, freezing assets, and prosecuting suspects. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.