Singapore and Vietnam remain committed to supporting a rules-based international order, strengthening ASEAN integration, and enhancing the bloc’s resilience. The two countries upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) last year, marking Singapore’s first CSP with an ASEAN member state.
Indonesian scholar Lamijo of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) said the speech reflected not only Vietnam’s national interests but also a broader strategic vision for the region, demonstrating the country’s readiness to share leadership responsibilities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Veeramalla Anjaiah, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies in Indonesia, said the keynote address by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue came at a highly opportune moment and at a forum of particular significance to global and regional security.
Prof. Huang Rihan of Huaqiao University in China’s Fujian province said the Vietnamese leader’s address highlighted three major crises currently facing the world - the crisis of the international order, the crisis of development models, and the crisis of strategic trust.
The decision to place ASEAN and relations with neighbouring countries at the forefront of diplomatic activities underscored the importance Vietnam attaches to regional cooperation and solidarity, an expert has said.
The keynote address reflected the balance and wisdom of Vietnam’s diplomacy while also providing practical approaches for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to navigate emerging challenges.
Analyst Collins Chong Yew Keat said the visits to Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines have contributed to ASEAN peace, stability and development in many ways.
Vietnam’s presence at the 23rd Shangri-la Dialogue met the international community’s expectations for balanced, constructive and bridge-building contributions from a country that consistently pursues a non-aligned foreign policy.
Vietnam called for an open, inclusive regional architecture with ASEAN at its core, insisting that all new initiatives be transparent, respect international law, complement one another, and avoid undermining ASEAN centrality or turning Southeast Asia into an arena for great power rivalry. It expressed full support for and readiness to cooperate with the Philippines - ASEAN Chair 2026.
The Straits Times noted that a significant portion of his address focused on the crisis of the international order, highlighting the need to strengthen respect for international law and exercise restraint.
Associate Professor Dr. Neak Chandarith said General Secretary and President To Lam demonstrated a clear understanding of global challenges and presented a balanced voice that advocates sovereignty, equality and fairness for small and middle-sized nations amid an increasingly uncertain international environment.
One of the highlights grabbing observers’ special attention was the first-time participation and keynote address by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam.
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse are paying state visit to the Philippines from May 31 to June 1 at the invitation of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his spouse.
When asked whether Vietnam would adjust its growth target, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam firmly stated that Vietnam would not revise the target downward. The country remains committed not only to its 2026 growth objective but also to sustaining that growth trajectory in the years ahead, as this is essential for achieving its development milestones.
Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency following General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam’s keynote address at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, Prof. Vu Minh Khuong of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy said the Vietnamese leader’s remarks resonated strongly because they addressed pressing global challenges with candour, responsibility and a forward-looking vision.
General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Lam attended and delivered a keynote address at the opening of the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 29.
The keynote policy address delivered by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam at the opening session of the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue has been described as offering timely reflections and practical proposals for sustaining peace and strategic trust amid growing geopolitical competition.
Vietnam is pushing ahead with efforts to streamline its state apparatus, improve institutions and strengthen national governance capacity, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam said.
Vietnam therefore stands ready to work with countries both within and beyond the region to reinforce rules, nurture trust, promote dialogue, enhance cooperation, mitigate risks, and together shape an Asia-Pacific that is safer, more resilient and more prosperous.
The ministers shared the view that General Secretary and President Lam’s delivering of a keynote address at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue reflected the international community’s recognition of Vietnam’s role, voice and contributions to regional strategic issues, and demonstrated its strong interest in the country’s perspectives and approaches to promoting dialogue, building trust, enhancing cooperation, and addressing common challenges.