(KPL) Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Chair of ASEAN for 2024, presided over the Closing Ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits on October 11, officially handing over the ASEAN Chairmanship to Malaysia.

The event, held at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, was attended by ASEAN Heads of State and Government, Timor-Leste’s leadership, ASEAN Foreign Ministers, Senior Officials, the ASEAN Secretary-General, Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, and invited guests.

Taking place from October 8-11 under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” the summits highlighted the progress made under ASEAN Vision 2025 and the achievements of Laos’ nine priority initiatives during its ASEAN Chairmanship, which contributed to a more connected and resilient ASEAN Community.

The Prime Minister emphasized the collective efforts of ASEAN to maintain momentum in community-building efforts and expressed ASEAN Leaders’ appreciation for the progress in developing Strategic Plans toward achieving ASEAN Vision 2045. This vision aspires to create a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN Community.

He also provided an update on Timor-Leste's progress toward full ASEAN membership and the strengthening of ASEAN’s external relations and cooperation.

The summits concluded with the adoption and noting of over 90 outcome documents, which will guide future ASEAN sectoral bodies under the three community pillars. These documents aim to build a more cohesive and resilient ASEAN, while promoting peace, security, and development in the region and beyond.

Prime Minister Sonexay extended his sincere gratitude to ASEAN Member States, External Partners, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the people of Laos for their contributions and support, which ensured the successful conclusion of the summits and the Lao PDR’s Chairmanship.

The ceremony concluded with the symbolic handover of the ASEAN Chairmanship gavel to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who will lead ASEAN as its Chair in 2025.

Laos' ASEAN Chairmanship officially concludes on December 31, 2024, with Malaysia assuming the role from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

KPL