Laos on track to host ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: Deputy PM

Laos is set to host the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings, scheduled to take place from July 21-27 at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane.
In a media briefing last Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith, assured the media that preparations for the event were 100 percent complete.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith, addresses a press conference last Thursday.

“The organising sub-committees have meticulously prepared every aspect of the event, including content, accommodation, transport, advertising, and infrastructure improvements. Security, communications, internet facilities, personnel, budget plans, and tourist attractions have also been thoroughly studied and prepared to ensure a successful conference,” he said.
Laos’ ASEAN chairmanship this year takes the theme “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience” with a focus on nine key priorities, four of which concern “Increasing ASEAN Connectivity” and five centre on “Increasing ASEAN Strength”.
In the press conference, Mr Saleumxay stressed the importance of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, saying “This meeting will lay the groundwork for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings taking place from October 8-11.”
“The success of these meetings will enhance Laos’ regional and international stature and promote trade, investment, tourism, and Lao culture to delegates and media from other ASEAN member states, dialogue partners, and beyond. It also aligns with the ongoing promotion of Visit Laos Year 2024,” he added.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting would adopt a crucial joint statement, with technical teams making good progress on its draft.
The meeting will also discuss the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the drafting of a strategic plan for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, hosted by Malaysia. This strategic plan encompasses the ASEAN Political-Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community, ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, and ASEAN Connectivity.
Regarding ASEAN’s external relations, the meeting will see engagement with 11 dialogue partners to review and plan future cooperation, contributing to the ASEAN Community’s development.
Laos will co-chair the ASEAN-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and later serve as the coordinating country for ASEAN-Canada and co-chair the ASEAN Plus Three meetings, including the East Asia Summit and the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum.
In total, some 25 meetings will take place, with participation from foreign ministers representing 35 countries. Approximately 29 documents, including the joint statement and various agreements between ASEAN and its partners, are expected to be approved or acknowledged.
Mr Saleumxay called on the Lao people to appreciate the significant honour of hosting the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and to contribute to its success by maintaining peace, cleanliness and order, ensuring the event’s smooth execution.

ByTimes Reporters
 (Latest Update July 15, 2024)