NA Chairman Man praised the initiative to convene the ASEAN City Leaders Conference, describing it as a significant step in recognising the increasingly important role of cities in building the ASEAN community.
During PM Hun Manet's visit, the Vietnamese and Cambodian leaders exchanged views and outlined directions and measures to promote cooperation in all fields, especially in comprehensive connectivity between the two countries.
The leaders of the two countries exchanged views and proposed specific measures to implement the agreements between the high-ranking leaders of the two countries, especially the results of General Secretary and President Lam's recent official visit to Thailand.
Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Jim Nickel emphasised that this year’s theme – “Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity and People-Centred” – demonstrates ASEAN’s potential to contribute to not only regional but also global peace.
The top legislator proposed the two governments continue negotiations on new cooperation agreements and reaffirmed the Vietnamese legislature’s readiness to facilitate the signing and implementation of bilateral arrangements.
Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving, increasingly complex and unpredictable regional and global environment, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam stressed that ASEAN’s foremost priority is to preserve a peaceful and stable environment conducive to development, strengthen economic competitiveness and resilience, and improve the well-being of its people.
The ASEAN Future Forum 2026 carries special significance. Its theme not only reflects the core values that define ASEAN, but also points to the direction our Association should take in the years ahead.
The two PMs shared the view that Vietnam and Timor-Leste boast considerable potential and advantages to further expand cooperation for the benefit of their peoples, as well as for stable, self-reliant, and sustainable development in the region.
The Lao official stressed that Vietnam holds a central position and plays a particularly important role in advancing regional cooperation initiatives, including the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF).
Tu affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of attaching great importance to and giving top priority to developing relations with China within the overall framework of its foreign policy.
During the session, the NA Standing Committee will give opinions on a draft ordinance amending and supplementing a number of articles of the ordinance on the procedures for considering and deciding on the application of administrative sanctions at the People's Courts.
Discussing future cooperation, the Vietnamese leader called for stronger political trust, expanded collaboration in economic affairs, defence-security and people-to-people exchanges, and more frequent high-level contacts.
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão's official visit and attendance at the forum hold significance, particularly for Timor-Leste’s integration process following its accession to ASEAN, and the future of ASEAN Community.
Vietnam suggested JICA continue implementing a leadership capacity-building project for 2026–2028, aligned with Vietnam’s development priorities and four new pillars of bilateral cooperation - AI, digital transformation, smart cities and high-tech infrastructure; high-quality human resource development and institutional reform; green and circular economy development and disaster prevention; and social welfare, health care, elderly care and private-sector development.
Party policymaking, said Party General Secretary and State President To Lam said theory must be nourished by vibrant practice, tested in practice and return to guide development in practice.
Professor Qu Qiang of the Minzu University of China and commentator for China Global Television Network (CGTN) said the forum underscores Vietnam’s growing role as one of the countries helping shape ASEAN’s agenda. Topics such as unity and resilience, conflict prevention and AI governance address some of the region’s most pressing challenges, while new mechanisms including political-party dialogue and greater participation by cities and youth reflect efforts to modernise regional governance.
Vietnam always attaches importance to and gives top priority to consolidating and developing its relationship of “good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability” with Cambodia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang.
Defence cooperation continues to serve as a key pillar of the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang.
As Hanoi hosts AFF 2026, Vietnam continues to play a constructive role within ASEAN by helping maintain unity and consensus while seeking common ground on the bloc’s most challenging issues.
