The three keywords are 'cooperation, coordination, and connection'.

The forum, held on May 13th, was co-chaired by Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom and Vice President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission Josep Borrell, with the participation of 27 Foreign Ministers/Heads of Delegation from EU countries and 26 Indo-Pacific countries, representatives from several international organizations and other partners.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang led the Vietnamese delegation to the Forum.

This is an opportunity for EU Foreign Ministers and those from the Indo-Pacific region to share and assess opportunities, challenges, and prospects for cooperation between the two regions. From this, they can propose ideas and solutions to strengthen connectivity and promote coordination between the two regions in addressing common global issues.

The three main themes discussed at this year's Forum included promoting sustainable and inclusive prosperity; seizing opportunities for green development and overcoming global challenges; and the changing security landscape in the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking at the Forum, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang noted that the global economy is at a crucial turning point, shifting from quantity-based growth to quality-based growth, and from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy.

In the process of collaborative transformation and addressing global challenges, with the three keywords "cooperation, coordination, and connectivity," countries need a suitable approach to overcome differences, meet the needs of all parties, and create a favorable environment for businesses and people.

Drawing on Vietnam's experience in economic development and international integration, the Deputy Minister emphasized three key "balanced" factors that need to be ensured.

Firstly, there is a balance between obligations and capabilities; accordingly, common goals can only be achieved when implementation measures are adapted to the conditions and level of development of each country.

Secondly, there needs to be a balance between self-reliance and self-sufficiency, and economic openness, integration, and linkages. Domestic industrial policies should not increase protectionism and close off markets, but rather create more opportunities for restructuring and innovating regional supply chains.

Third, balance between transformation and stability. The green transformation and digital transformation must ensure financial sustainability and social stability, energy security, and food security.

Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang with representatives from the host country and the EU.

During her participation in the Forum, Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang held meetings with the Swedish Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Jan Knutsson, the Secretary-General of the EU External Relations Agency (EEAS) Stefano Sannino, the Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Francisco André, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mozambique Manuel José Gonçalves, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Vijavat Isarabhakdi.

At these meetings, Vietnam and other countries agreed to continue maintaining close cooperation and mutual support in multilateral forums; exchange views on the global and regional situation of common concern; and share perspectives on maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, including the East Sea.

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