Within the framework of the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum (AFF), a seminar titled "The Role of Southeast Asian Political Parties in Building the ASEAN Community" was held on June 8th in Hanoi .
Gathering the strength of the entire society.
In his opening remarks at the seminar, Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung stated that the seminar was a very significant milestone for ASEAN's cooperation process, marking the first time a meeting and exchange between political parties in Southeast Asia had taken place. The seminar is taking place against the backdrop of a rapidly changing, powerful, and profound global and regional situation, with far-reaching impacts on all countries and political parties.
In this context, according to Minister Le Hoai Trung, overcoming challenges, maintaining unity and strategic autonomy requires ASEAN cooperation not only through state, government , and parliamentary channels, but also by strengthening the political foundations of each nation and political party. Therefore, enhancing cooperation among Southeast Asian political parties is not just an exchange initiative, but a strategic requirement.
The Minister suggested that political parties cooperate to bring ASEAN closer to the people and unite the strength of the entire society. As forces directly connected to all segments of the population, political parties create a two-way bridge: bringing ASEAN's decisions into people's lives and bringing the voices of the people to the regional level. This is also a channel for mobilizing broad social consensus to jointly address common challenges – from climate change and cybersecurity to sustainable development and the digital economy.
Three discussion sessions, featuring nearly 20 insightful presentations and speeches from political party representatives, scholars, and experts across the region, highlighted a shared sense of responsibility among regional political parties for a peaceful, stable, and sustainable future for ASEAN. Delegates also demonstrated a shared sense of responsibility and determination to contribute to building the ASEAN Community.
Delegates attending the seminar "The Role of Southeast Asian Political Parties in Building the ASEAN Community" held on June 8th in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)
Boosting trust
In his closing remarks at the seminar, Central Committee member and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong affirmed that the results of the seminar demonstrated the great need and potential for strengthening dialogue through political party channels. This will help consolidate political trust, deepen mutual understanding, and foster intra-bloc solidarity towards a cohesive, resilient, and people-centered ASEAN Community.
"Dialogue between political parties has become an important part of the political trust infrastructure in the region – a space where ideas, experiences, and consensus are accumulated, thereby facilitating long-term ASEAN cooperation," Deputy Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong stated.
Deputy Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong stated that through three discussion sessions, the seminar achieved broad consensus on three core areas. Firstly, strengthening trust, mutual understanding, and dialogue – both among political parties and among political parties, research institutions, and the academic community – has practical significance. This helps consolidate ASEAN's solidarity and cohesion, while enhancing ASEAN's resilience and central role in the context of regional and global instability.
Secondly, political parties need to play a more proactive and positive role in promoting initiatives and ideas. This will help realize the goals of the ASEAN Community and implement the Strategic Plans to 2045. The role of political parties is particularly important in ensuring that the future ASEAN remains inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered, leaving no one behind.
Third, delegates reaffirmed the increasing importance of political parties in policy-making, promoting regional cooperation, and sharing governance experiences. This is essential for effectively responding to common challenges and ensuring ASEAN becomes increasingly adaptable to new realities.
On the afternoon of June 8th, at the Party Central Headquarters, Politburo member and Standing Committee Secretary Tran Cam Tu received the heads of political parties from Southeast Asian countries who are visiting Vietnam to attend the seminar "The Role of Political Parties in Building the ASEAN Community" within the framework of the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum 2026.
Strengthening cooperation between cities
With the theme "Driving the Future from Smart, Sustainable and Connected Cities," the ASEAN Cities Leaders' Meeting 2026, held on June 8th in Hanoi, attracted the participation of leaders from many cities in the ASEAN region, along with experts, international organizations, and development partners.
Speaking at the conference, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Dai Thang emphasized that the presence of delegates reflects the spirit of solidarity, cooperation, and shared aspirations of ASEAN in building sustainable, prosperous, and people-centered cities. Strengthening cooperation among ASEAN cities is not only a necessary need but also a crucial driving force for realizing the vision of a resilient, innovative, and sustainably developed ASEAN Community.
The ASEAN Cities Leaders' Meeting 2026 is expected to contribute to strengthening connectivity among cities in the region, promoting the sharing of governance experiences, economic cooperation, trade, investment, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges, contributing to the goal of building a peaceful, stable, resilient, and sustainably developed ASEAN Community.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/dua-asean-den-gan-nguoi-dan-hon-196260608230437334.htm
