In a message marking the occasions, Mr. Thongsavanh said ASEAN has remained a region of peace and stability while making steady progress in economic cooperation and integration. He highlighted ASEAN's centrality, consensus-based approach, leadership role, and multilateral cooperation as important foundations for the organisation's continued success.
ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967, by five founding members. The grouping expanded to 11 members with the accession of Timor-Leste in October 2025, which Mr. Thongsavanh said would contribute to further strengthening the ASEAN Community.
He noted that ASEAN continues to face a range of challenges in 2026, including geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainties, conflicts, climate change, natural disasters, and risks to food and energy security.
In response, ASEAN has strengthened regional cooperation, including efforts to expand trade and investment and enhance energy security through mechanisms such as the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement and the ASEAN Power Grid.
Mr. Thongsavanh also highlighted the significance of 2026 as the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, together with the Strategic Plans for the three ASEAN Community pillars and the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan. The year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
At the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings held in the Philippines in July, ASEAN welcomed Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Sweden as High Contracting Parties to the TAC, bringing the total number of parties to the treaty to 62.
ASEAN's external partnerships have also continued to expand. Mr. Thongsavanh noted that Türkiye was granted the status of ASEAN's 12th Dialogue Partner, while Denmark, Germany, and Qatar became ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partners. The United Kingdom was also admitted as the 28th participant in the ASEAN Regional Forum.
Turning to Laos' 29 years of ASEAN membership, Mr. Thongsavanh said the Lao PDR has actively and responsibly participated in ASEAN processes, contributing to national socio-economic development and raising the country's profile in the regional and international arenas.
He said ASEAN engagement has helped strengthen trade, investment, regional integration, human resource development, and infrastructure connectivity in Laos. Railways, highways, dry ports, and other infrastructure have improved the country's links with regional and international markets, supporting the transformation of the Lao PDR from a landlocked country into a regional and international connectivity hub.
Mr. Thongsavanh attributed these achievements to the consistent implementation of Laos' foreign policy of "Peace, Independence, Friendship and Cooperation", together with proactive efforts by ministries, sectors, and relevant stakeholders at both central and local levels.
Looking ahead, he said ASEAN would continue to uphold consultation, dialogue, compromise, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation to build trust, strengthen regional solidarity, and advance peace, stability, and sustainable development.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed appreciation to Party and State leaders, ministries and sectors, armed forces, police, and people across the country for their contributions to ASEAN affairs and national development.
August 8 marks the 59th anniversary of ASEAN, while July 23 marked the 29th anniversary of the Lao PDR's accession to ASEAN.