GOOD NEIGHBOURS: General Secretary and President Tô Lâm (right) with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

HÀ NỘI — Receiving heads of delegations, experts, scholars and representatives of international organisations attending the third ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026 in Hà Nội on June 9–10, Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm underscored the growing international interest in ASEAN’s future and the region’s evolving role amid a rapidly changing global landscape.

CAMBODIA CONNECTION: General Secretary and President Tô Lâm (right) with Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia.

Welcoming more than 1,200 participants from across the world, the Vietnamese leader said the strong turnout reflected a shared commitment among ASEAN member states, partners and the wider international community to contribute ideas and perspectives to the bloc’s long-term development.

THAI TIES: General Secretary and President Tô Lâm (right) with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand.

The meeting took place as ASEAN began implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, a roadmap expected to guide the bloc through a new phase of growth and integration. Against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and economic challenges, Lâm stressed that maintaining peace and stability remains essential for development, while strengthening competitiveness, economic resilience and people’s well-being should remain at the forefront of ASEAN’s agenda.

NEAR NEIGHBOURS: General Secretary and President Tô Lâm (right) with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste.

Reflecting on ASEAN’s journey over nearly six decades, he noted that the bloc’s enduring strengths lie in its unity, consensus-based approach, centrality and inclusiveness. These principles, he said, have enabled ASEAN to navigate regional and global shifts while preserving its relevance and cohesion.

TOP LEADER: Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm delivers a speech.

ROUND TABLE: General Secretary and President Tô Lâm said at the event that maintaining peace and stability remains essential for development, while strengthening competitiveness, economic resilience and people’s well being should remain at the forefront of ASEAN’s agenda.

Looking ahead, the Vietnamese leader called for continued innovation in both thinking and governance, arguing that ASEAN must further enhance its adaptability and improve the implementation of collective commitments to meet the demands of a changing environment.

Representatives attending AFF 2026 welcomed Việt Nam’s initiative in establishing the forum, describing it as an increasingly credible, open and inclusive platform for dialogue. They noted that the event has emerged as a constructive venue for exchanging ideas and contributing to discussions on ASEAN’s long-term strategic direction. — VNS

SHAKE ON IT: General Secretary and President Tô Lâm and the delegates.

TEAM WORK: General Secretary and President Tô Lâm with heads of delegations from various countries, experts, scholars and representatives of international organisations who came to Hà Nội for the third ASEAN Future Forum 2026. VNA/VNS Photos

MEETING UP: General Secretary and President Tô Lâm shakes hands with delegates attending the AFF.

LISTEN IN: Representatives at the Presidential Palace in Hà Nội.