ASEAN, UN leaders emphasise cooperation in solving challenges
Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations (UN) underlined the importance of bilateral cooperation in solving global challenges at the 10th ASEAN-UN Summit in Thailand on November 3 within the framework of the 35th ASEAN Summit and related summits.
Bangkok (VNA) – Leaders from theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations (UN)underlined the importance of bilateral cooperation in solving global challengesat the 10th ASEAN-UN Summit in Thailand on November 3 within the framework ofthe 35th ASEAN Summit and related summits.
The two sides emphasised the need forcooperation to cope with climate change, natural disasters, rising sea levels,pollution and plastic waste, as well as tackling cross-border crime andterrorism, and promoting sustainable development in the context of rapid andcomplicated global developments.
They agreed to boost collaboration between theASEAN and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Regarding the East Sea, the leaders saidunilateral actions that ran counter to international law have been negativelyaffecting peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation andaviation in the East Sea.
The UN affirmed its support for the ASEAN’sviewpoints of solving disputes via dialogue based on international law.
The leaders said they believed that havingVietnam and Indonesia as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council in2020 will help the ASEAN and the UN increase cooperation, contributing to thepromotion of peace, security and sustainable development in the region andbeyond.
On behalf of ASEAN countries, Thailand as chairof ASEAN 2019 recognised the efforts made to realise 93 percent of the targetsset in the ASEAN-UN action plan, looking towards the implementation of theASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)2030.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underlinedthe importance and central role of the ASEAN in the regional architecture,while appreciating the bloc’s achievements in socio-economic development.
However, there are still many challenges toaddress to make sure no one is left behind, he said.
The UN chief added that the UN is willing tosupport ASEAN and hopes the bloc will continue pursuing the SDGs./.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc shared other leaders’ view on the progress in the ASEAN-India strategic partnership at a summit between the two sides in Bangkok on November 3 morning.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thailand on November 2.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to leverage on its large population base as a more integrated market to achieve greater economic growth.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had separate meetings with leaders of Laos, Cambodia, China and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with Prince Andrew Albert Christian Edward of the UK in Bangkok on November 3.
The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
Leaders at the 10th ASEAN-UN Summit (Photo: VNA) 
