(KPL) Laos will host the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related events in Vientiane from July 21-27, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith announced on Thursday, July 11.

"We have set nine priorities to realize the ASEAN Chairmanship theme, categorized into two groups: increasing ASEAN connectivity, which includes four priorities, and strengthening ASEAN resilience, which encompasses five priorities. These priorities aim to benefit the national interests of the Lao PDR and the region," said the Deputy Prime Minister.S

ub-committees have been focusing on full preparations for the meeting, including accommodation for ministers and delegations, delegate vehicles, transport, communication, and internet facilities, among others.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the good progress made in preparing for the 57th AMM and related meetings. The 57th AMM is expected to adopt the statement of ASEAN foreign ministers, with the relevant working group making good progress in negotiating the draft statement.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will focus on the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and drafting strategic plans to implement the vision of the ASEAN Community 2045. The Lao PDR and Malaysia, the next ASEAN chair, are leading the drafting of strategic plans to implement the vision of the ASEAN Community 2045, which include the strategic plans of the ASEAN Political-Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community, the ASEAN Social-Cultural Community, and ASEAN Connectivity.

The Lao PDR will also chair the ASEAN-Australia Foreign Ministers' Meeting as the coordinating country (2021-2024), serve as the coordinating country for ASEAN-Canada (2024-2027), co-chair ASEAN Plus Three, chair the Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the East Asia Summit (EAS with 19 participating countries), and the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum.

Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith emphasized that the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting is crucial as it serves as a prerequisite for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and other related summits to be held in early October.

KPL