Collins Chong Yew Keat, a foreign affairs, security and strategy analyst at the University of Malaya (Malaysia), described AFF 2026 as a valuable platform for fostering long-term strategic thinking, regional trust-building and policy innovation.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is facing numerous energy-related challenges. However, in line with global trends, the bloc is accelerating its transition toward greener and cleaner energy while enhancing cooperation to address evolving energy security challenges.
Welcoming the Cambodian delegation, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Doan Anh said its participation in the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 has contributed to the event’s success and reflected the friendship, solidarity and political trust shared by the two Parties, States and peoples of Vietnam and Cambodia.
Party General Secretary and President To Lam received Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Hanoi on June 9, part of the Cambodian leader's official visit to Vietnam and participation in the ASEAN Future Forum 2026.
The measure of success in the coming period should not simply be how many additional documents, mechanisms or action plans ASEAN produces; more importantly, it should be measured by the extent to which ASEAN’s commitments are implemented in practice, what changes they bring about for the region, and what benefits they deliver to people, businesses and each member economy, said the top Vietnamese leader.
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.
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 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).
Vietnam remains one of Cambodia’s most important neighbours in terms of security, economy, trade and people-to-people exchanges. Maintaining strong relations with Vietnam, therefore, serves Cambodia’s long-term national interests, said Dr. Kin Phea, Director General of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia (RAC).
They noted that the visit also underscores the close and trusted relationship between leaders of both nations, who have continued to seek ways to deepen and expand cooperation across all areas at the bilateral, regional and international levels.
Professor Xu Liping described the ASEAN Future Forum as a tangible contribution by Vietnam to the regional grouping, demonstrating the country’s sense of mission and responsibility as an emerging middle power.
Diplomats of Laos, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, and Timor-Leste have all described the forum as a timely and strategic initiative that provides a platform for forward-looking dialogue on the region’s future.
The year 2026 holds special significance as Vietnam and Thailand celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The visit by PM Anutin takes place just 10 days after the official visit to Thailand by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam.
The visit comes as the two countries are actively implementing strategic directions agreed upon by their senior leaders.
Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung appreciated the Lao delegation’s participation and remarks at the symposium, saying they reflect the importance attached by both sides to the relations between the two Parties as well as the two countries, and their shared commitment to implementing high-level agreements.
Phongsava described the forum as a vital mechanism to share views and map out future cooperation, aimed at strengthening the ASEAN Community’s resilience and its ability to respond effectively and promptly to challenges while seizing opportunities.
On the occasion of the official visit to Vietnam and participation in the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 by Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão from June 7-10, Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Jakarta spoke with Beni Sukadis, Senior Coordinator at the Indonesian Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (Lesperssi), about the significance of the visit.
Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) said the forum aims to provide an open and innovative platform for governments, scholars, businesses, media organisations and regional and international institutions to exchange ideas and seek breakthrough solutions to help realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Addressing the meeting, Vu Dai Thang, Chairman of the municipal People's Committee, stressed that the conference is an important initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity among local authorities across the region and promoting cooperation in economic development, culture and sustainable urban development.