Vietnam Engages in Strategic Talks at ASEAN SOM Ahead of AMM-58 in Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Voice of Malaysia) — Vietnam actively participated in wide-ranging discussions at the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) on Monday, addressing key regional issues including ASEAN’s response to global economic shifts, strengthening external partnerships, and advancing Timor-Leste’s accession process.
Ambassador Tran Duc Binh, Acting Head of Vietnam’s ASEAN SOM delegation, led the Vietnamese team at the meeting, which took place ahead of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-58) and its related sessions scheduled from July 8 to 11.
The SOM reviewed the agenda and logistics for the upcoming ministerial meetings and held strategic deliberations on how ASEAN can strengthen unity and relevance amid evolving geopolitical and geo-economic dynamics.
Delegates praised Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair for 2025, commending its leadership in steering ASEAN toward the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” and applauded progress in fostering regional cooperation and advancing community-building goals.
“The SOM sets the tone for the ministerial-level discussions to follow, and Vietnam remains committed to working closely with all ASEAN members to enhance regional unity and implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045,” said Ambassador Binh.
The AMM-58 is expected to gather foreign ministers from ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, and 17 dialogue and sectoral partners, who will participate in approximately 20 meetings under various cooperation frameworks, including ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son is scheduled to lead the Vietnamese delegation at the ministerial meetings beginning July 8. His engagements will include a dialogue between ASEAN foreign ministers and the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), as well as the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty Commission meeting.
These high-level meetings follow the historic 46th ASEAN Summit and are considered critical for translating recent commitments into action.
Among the key priorities on the agenda are the development of a comprehensive roadmap for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, detailed procedures for the country’s integration into ASEAN legal frameworks, and continued support mechanisms for its full membership.
The ministers are also expected to review ASEAN’s broad spectrum of partnerships, approve new cooperation plans, and exchange views on pressing regional and global issues—ranging from economic resilience and security cooperation to climate change and digital transformation.
Vietnam reiterated its strong commitment to ASEAN centrality and unity, emphasizing its support for ASEAN’s efforts to maintain peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.