Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is leading a high-level Vietnamese delegation to the 48th ASEAN Summit which officially opened on May 8, in Cebu, the Philippines, along with the participation of leaders from other ASEAN member states, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, and representatives of international organisations.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung attends the 48th ASEAN Summit Plenary in Cebu, the Philippines.

Under the theme “Navigating Our Shared Future, Together,” the host country has outlined three major priorities for ASEAN cooperation in 2026: strengthening key foundations for peace and security; expanding corridors of prosperity; and advancing people empowerment.

In his opening remarks, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Chair of ASEAN 2026, stressed that the region is facing a decisive moment amid an increasingly complex and uncertain international environment, particularly due to the impact of tensions in the Middle East on regional security, economic stability, and people’s livelihoods.

He affirmed that ASEAN must continue to uphold solidarity, adaptability, and centrality in the regional architecture.

According to the Philippine leader, current challenges should not divide ASEAN but instead serve as a driving force for member states to strengthen coordination, enhance mutual understanding, and act more effectively together.

He underscored the need for collective solutions to address security, economic, and social stability challenges while maintaining momentum in building the ASEAN Community despite global uncertainties.

The Philippine President called on ASEAN countries to continue fostering solidarity, openness, and shared responsibility in order to build a peaceful, stable, and sustainably developed region.

The 48th ASEAN Summit is one of ASEAN leaders’ two regular annual meetings in 2026 and serves as an important platform for leaders to exchange comprehensive assessments of global and regional developments, and agree on strategic orientations and measures to strengthen ASEAN cooperation.

At the summit, PM Hung is expected to deliver key speeches conveying Vietnam’s foreign policy orientations adopted at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, as well as the country’s views on ASEAN priorities.

He will also put forward practical proposals aimed at strengthening the ASEAN Community-building process, enhancing the bloc’s resilience and adaptability amid global uncertainties, particularly the impacts of the Middle East situation, and discussing regional and international issues of shared concern.

PM heads to 48th ASEAN Summit in Philippines

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation departed Hanoi for Cebu, the Philippines on May 7 morning to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit from May 7–8 at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr, Chair of ASEAN 2026.

Vietnam, India share vision, strategic convergence: Top Vietnamese leader

In his address, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam stressed that over thousands of years of formation and development, history and culture have served as strong bonds linking Vietnam and India. Though geographically distant, the two countries have been connected since early times. Indian religious, philosophical and civilisational values spread through maritime trade routes and became deeply embedded in Vietnam’s cultural and spiritual life.

 

Vietnamese, Indian leaders witness exchange of various deals

The signed documents include a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in digital technology between the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, a MoU on pharmaceutical management between the Vietnamese Ministry of Health’s Drug Administration and the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, and the Vietnam–India Cultural Exchange Programme for 2026 - 2030.

 

Official welcome ceremony held for top Vietnamese leader in New Delhi

The ongoing state visit to India by the top Vietnamese leader stands as clear evidence of Vietnam’s foreign policy in the new era, emphasising independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, diversification and multilateralisation of external relations, and being a responsible member of the international community.

 

Bac Ninh to submit proposal for centrally governed city status

BAC NINH - Bac Ninh province is finalising a proposal to establish itself as a centrally governed city based on its current conditions, with submission to the Party Central Committee expected next week.

Top Vietnamese leader receives Indian National Security Advisor in New Delhi

On the basis of the Vietnam – India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the two sides particularly emphasised the need for effective coordination in combating terrorism, transnational crime, online fraud, and emerging threats, thereby contributing to ensuring national security and social order in each country.