Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Hoài Trung attends the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila. — VNA/VNS Photo

MANILA — Foreign ministers attending the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila on Thursday adopted the Manila Plan of Action 2026–2036, which will guide the forum's work over the next decade.

Ministers stressed that the ARF must continue adapting to the evolving strategic landscape, maintaining confidence-building measures as its foundation while advancing more substantive preventive diplomacy.

The meeting also endorsed the ARF Inter-Sessional Year Calendar of Activities for 2026–2027 and noted ASEAN's consensus to admit the United Kingdom as the ARF's 28th member.

On regional and international developments, ministers expressed concern over increasingly complex challenges, including food security, energy security, climate change, cybersecurity and issues arising from emerging technologies.

They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, security and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, and of resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The meeting underscored the need for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the early conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Ministers also exchanged views on the situations in the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula, calling on all parties to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation and promote dialogue and diplomacy in pursuit of lasting peace.

Addressing the meeting, Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Hoài Trung said that amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty, intensifying strategic competition and interconnected risks ranging from climate change and cybersecurity to supply chain disruptions, the ARF should shift from a mindset of "reactive dialogue" to one of "proactive risk management" by strengthening its capacity to anticipate and prevent crises from escalating.

The ARF must continue adapting to new strategic realities while preserving its role as an inclusive platform for dialogue where major powers engage based on respect for ASEAN centrality, he said.

He added that the forum should play a more active role in promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.

During the discussion session, Trung reiterated Việt Nam's position, calling on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions in the Middle East, while ensuring the safe and uninterrupted passage of ships and aircraft through the Strait of Hormuz.

He also voiced support for sustained dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The minister further confirmed that ASEAN would continue working with China to fully and effectively implement the DOC and expedite the conclusion of a substantive, effective COC that is consistent with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS. — VNS