ASEAN Future Forum 2025: Leaders discuss geo-political challenges
Hanoi, Feb 26 (IANS) The high-level plenary session of the second Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Future Forum at Hanoi on Wednesday saw the participation of Vietnam Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta.
The forum focused on ASEAN’s future, strategic autonomy, economic sustainability, and regional cooperation.
Addressing the forum, Vietnam PM Chin underscored the importance of strengthening ASEAN’s solidarity and centrality. Chinh further emphasised that nations must respect their independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
“Disputes should be resolved through peaceful means, without threatening or using force to settle disputes. These disputes can involve territorial issues, religious matters or ethnic concerns -- they must be resolved through peaceful negotiations and diplomacy to ensure stability, prevent conflict and avoid war,” he further said.