Thanks to its strengths in manufacturing momentum, human capital, and income convergence, Vietnam is not just joining; it is helping shape ASEAN’s next growth cycle.
Entering a new era of national development with the aspiration of building a strong and prosperous country, the mindset of "growing alongside ASEAN" will guide Vietnam’s more proactive, positive, and substantive contributions to the ASEAN Community and the co-creation of the region’s shared future, noted Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung.
According to former Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh, Vietnam's 31-year journey has seen it transform from a newcomer into a responsible, proactive and increasingly influential member. Its growing role reflects not only deeper regional economic and foreign integration but also its emergence as a key driver of ASEAN's development, resilience and global standing.
As the reigning champions and with a squad widely regarded as possessing greater depth than the one that lifted the trophy in 2024, Vietnam now has the opportunity to make history by becoming the first team ever to successfully defend the ASEAN Cup title in 2026.
According to the diplomat, the strength of the EU-Vietnam relationship is reflected in the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), as well as the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during European Council President António Costa’s visit to Vietnam in January 2026.
Russia highly values Vietnam’s contributions to the ASEAN Community and its active role in pushing Russia–ASEAN ties forward, she said, adding that Moscow will consistently back Vietnam’s constructive initiatives to reinforce ASEAN’s unity, cohesion and flexible response to contemporary geopolitical challenges.
PM Le Minh Hung’s attendance at the ASEAN – Russia Commemorative Summit demonstrates Vietnam’s high regard for the ASEAN – Russia Strategic Partnership and the long-standing friendship, strategic trust and effective cooperation between Vietnam and Russia over many decades.
This will be PM Hung’s first participation in an ASEAN – Russia summit since taking office. The commemorative summit marks a vital milestone in the development of ASEAN – Russia relations, which have expanded over the past 35 years, especially since the establishment of their strategic partnership in 2018.
Dr. Kin Phea, Director General of the Cambodian Institute for International Relations (CIIR) under the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), praised the forum as a forward-looking initiative that reflects Vietnam’s commitment to fostering dialogue on the future of Southeast Asia.
With sharp strategic mindset and a proven capacity for practical action at both bilateral and multilateral levels, Vietnam has demonstrated its role as a builder and agenda-setter, contributing to a robust platform for dialogue and cooperation in pursuit of a resilient, peaceful, and truly people-centred ASEAN Community by 2045
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.