Vietnam attends ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Malaysia
A Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AMM Retreat) in Langkawi, Malaysia, on January 19.
Heads of delegations and delegates at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat. (Photo: VNA)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – A Vietnamese d♔elegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AMM Retreat) in Langkawi, Malaysia, on Ja꧅nuary 19.
It was the first key event under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, which was chaired by Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan and attended by foreign ministers from ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretary-General, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste as an observer.
Son praised the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s achievements in 2024 under the chairmanship of Laos, calling them a solid foundation for the region to further enhance cooperation in 2025. He also expressed strong support for the theme and priorities proposed by Malaysia, and reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to close coordination in performing the outlined tasks and initiatives.
He underlined the importance of maintaining unity within ASEAN and reinforcing the bloc's central role. Highlighting the progress in ASEAN’s external relations, he stressed the need for the region to deepen its partnerships, while expanding mutually beneficial and practical cooperation with new partners
Vietnam, in its role as coordinator for ASEAN-New Zealand and ASEAN-UK relations from 2024 to 2027, will continue with active and proactive contributions to relations between the two sides in the coming years, he said.
On the global and regional issues, Son expected that the situation in Myanmar would stabilise soon, while also highlighting Vietnam’s readiness to cooperate with the 2025 ASEAN Chair and Special Envoy in following the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and decisions on the Myanmar issue reached by ASEAN leaders.
He highlighted the importance of maintaining ASEAN’s unity and principled stance, reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and advancing substantive and effective negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), aiming to build the East Sea into a sea of peace, cooperation and sustainable development.
On the occasion, Son met with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Bin Haji, during which both sides vowed to continue stepping up the implementation of cooperation agreements already adopted by leaders, develop an action plan to realise the new phase of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and soon hold the 8th meeting of the Vietnam-Malaysia Joint Committee at the ministerial level to fulfill the commitments.
With priorities on energy transition and digital transformation, Malaysia considers Vietnam a key partner, said Mohamad Bin Haji, reaffirming the country’s commitment to fostering close bilateral cooperation to achieve concrete and substantial results.
On the sidelines of the retreat, Son also met bilaterally with foreign ministers of Laos and Indonesia./.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Bangladesh, in its role as the rotating chair of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC), hosted the committee’s 62nd meeting in Dhaka on December 26.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held an inter-ministerial meeting in Hanoi on December 18 to review ASEAN cooperation, Vietnam's strides in 2024, and chart a course for 2025.
The ASEAN Spouses Circle (ASC) and its partners have applauded Vietnam’s successful presidency of the circle in 2024 at a recent meeting held in Washington, D.C.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
