The ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AFMR) closes on January 18, 2019, in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Ministers discussed the bloc’s internal issues, especially the progress of ASEAN Community establishment for sustainable development, and emerging regional and international issues. ASEAN foreign ministers also sought the bloc's Indo-Pacific strategy to deal with geopolitical changes.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said Vietnam will do its utmost to realize ASEAN priorities in 2019 as preparations for Vietnam to take over ASEAN Chair in 2020. He hailed progresses in ASEAN’s cooperation over the past years, noting that Vietnam is willing to coordinate with Thailand in realizing the bloc’s 2019 tasks. He proposed that ASEAN countries closely cooperate and support each other in promoting creativity, supporting start-up development, and training high-quality workforce. Voicing concern over rising militarization in the East Sea, Mr. Minh suggested ASEAN strengthen solidarity and step up efforts to promote peace, stability, and security in the region on the basis of agreed principles.