Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Deputy Prime Minister of Laos stated that enhancing ASEAN's internal unity, inclusiveness, and resilience should continue to be a key priority for ASEAN as it responds to the rapidly changing global landscape and strengthens regional cooperation.
Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith made these remarks on Tuesday at the Second ASEAN Future Forum hosted by the Vietnamese government in Hanoi.
Several senior ASEAN leaders attended the forum, including Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chairman Anwar Ibrahim, East Timor President José Ramos-Horta, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Koh Kim Hao, and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
In his speech at the forum, Mr. Saleumxay emphasized the pressing challenges facing the region, including climate change, digitalization, trade tensions, and geopolitical shifts, stressing the need for collective action to secure ASEAN's future.
The forum's theme, "Building a United, Inclusive, and Resilient ASEAN Amid Global Change," provided a platform for leaders to discuss the opportunities and obstacles impacting the region.
Mr. Saleumxay, representing the Lao government, praised Vietnam for hosting the forum and reiterated the commitment to strengthening regional cooperation.
He emphasized that ASEAN needs to effectively address major trends such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and evolving trade dynamics.
He stated that rising protectionism, unilateral sanctions, and trade wars threaten multilateralism and sustainable growth, making regional cooperation more important than ever.
He stressed ASEAN's growing economic importance, noting that with nearly 700 million people, ASEAN is now the world's fifth-largest economy.
Furthermore, he emphasized ASEAN's central role in global diplomacy, as its mechanisms provide external partners and major powers with avenues for engagement on key regional and international issues.
Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay's speech focused on the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which will be adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May this year.
Reviewing Laos's ASEAN chairmanship in 2024, he stressed that strengthening connectivity and resilience are priorities for Laos. He also expressed support for Malaysia's 2025 chairmanship agenda, which focuses on inclusion and sustainability.
He emphasized that ASEAN needs to become a future-oriented community, leveraging technology and innovation while ensuring no member state is left behind.
He pointed out that the rapid development of artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and societies, making digital transformation a key priority for ASEAN's continued growth.
Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith acknowledged the complex geopolitical and economic environment and urged ASEAN leaders to strengthen regional cooperation and external partnerships to enhance the ASEAN Community.
He stressed that ASEAN's ability to remain united, inclusive, and resilient will determine its success in navigating global uncertainties.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his belief that the forum will provide practical recommendations for the effective implementation of ASEAN's long-term vision and reiterated ASEAN's commitment to building a strong, vibrant, and forward-thinking ASEAN for future generations.
ASEAN is at a critical juncture, and the leaders present reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation to ensure ASEAN's continued growth and stability in an ever-changing global landscape.
