(KPL) Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandon welcomed the mayors of ASEAN capitals during their visit to Vientiane for the Meeting of Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC) and the ASEAN Mayors Forum (AMF), held at the National Convention Hall on September 18.

Representatives included the governor of Timor Leste’s capital, the ASEAN Secretary-General, and senior officials from the Urban and Local Government Organization in the Asia-Pacific region. PM Sonexay highlighted the successful preparation and organization of the MGMAC and AMF, which Laos is hosting from September 17-19, 2024.

The meeting gathered officials from ASEAN capitals, cities, and over 189 international organizations, including Mayors from nine ASEAN capitals and Dili, the capital of Timor Leste. Vientiane co-hosted the event with United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) and the AIME Association Secretariat.

The conference, which originated with the ASEAN Capital Mayors' Conference in 2013 and the ASEAN Mayors Forum in 2022, aims to foster cooperation and knowledge-sharing among local governments. This year's theme focuses on five key areas: livable and sustainable cities, green tourism, sustainable economic growth, environmentally sustainable cities, and climate resilience.

PM Sonexay praised the active participation of the attendees, noting the importance of strengthening regional cooperation for the sustainable development of ASEAN cities. He expressed confidence that the conference would enhance connections and support the goal of “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience for Sustainable Urban Development in ASEAN Cities.”

KPL