Vietnam Ready to Work with ASEAN to Support Myanmar: FM

Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung stated that Vietnam stands ready to work closely with the ASEAN Chair for 2026 and other member states to support Myanmar's economic recovery, address social issues, and combat transnational crimes. This collaboration aims to foster peace, stability, and sustainable development in Myanmar and the region, while contributing to the building of the ASEAN Community. This statement underscores Vietnam's proactive and constructive role within ASEAN. Vietnam shares the view that ASEAN exhibits strong unity on strategic priority issues and seeks to enhance regional cooperation. Vietnam's participation in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in the Philippines is seen as part of these efforts to strengthen collaboration. Under its one-party system, Vietnam has continued its economic growth and has been increasing its international presence in recent years. Its emphasis on coordination within ASEAN is a facet of Vietnam's diplomatic strategy to expand its regional influence. While its economic ties with China are strong, geopolitical tensions, such as those in the South China Sea, persist, making multilateral cooperation through ASEAN a crucial tool for maintaining balance. The situation in Myanmar has been a long-standing challenge for ASEAN, with differing views among member states. Vietnam's latest statement signifies its commitment to maintaining ASEAN unity and advancing concrete support measures. Economic assistance and efforts to address social issues are vital for long-term stabilization in Myanmar and have implications for regional security.