Representatives of Asean member states gather in Luang Prabang for the Asean Foreign Ministers Retreat.

Asean FMs push for bloc’s increased strength, connectivity

Foreign ministers from the 10 Asean member states took part in the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Luang Prabang City on Monday to discuss matters of common interest, with the meeting being one of the first held under Laos’ Asean chairmanship this year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith, chaired the meeting, which took the theme “Asean: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”.
The meeting reviewed the outcomes of the 43rd Asean Summit and related meetings which took place in September 2023 and discussed progress made towards the Asean Community Vision 2025.
Ministers discussed ways to further strengthen the Asean Community and bolster Asean’s influence in the midst of various regional and international challenges.
The meeting took note of the good progress made in the implementation of the Asean Community master plan and the master plan on the Asean connectivity 2025.
Currently, Asean is in the process of formulating the Asean Community Vision 2045, including a strategic plan to implement this vision.
The meeting pushed forward the drafting of strategic plans for the Asean political-security community, Asean economic community, Asean socio-cultural community, and Asean connectivity.
The Vision and the strategic plans will be adopted in 2025.
The meeting also discussed and supported nine priorities for Laos’ Asean chairmanship, which centre on increasing the connectivity and strength of Asean.
The increased connectivity element incorporates four priorities: (1) integration and economic connectivity, (2) creating a sustainable participatory future, (3) transitioning towards a digital future, and (4) promoting culture and arts in Asean.
The increased strength element incorporates five priorities: (1) creation of strategic plans to implement the Asean Community Vision 2045, (2) strengthening the centrality of Asean, (3) environmental cooperation, (4) enhancing the role of women and children, and (5) improving public health in Asean nations.
Meeting participants also discussed regional and international matters of mutual interest.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update January30, 2024)