KPL
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane represented the Lao PDR on July 24 at the signing ceremony marking the accession of Poland, Lithuania, Romania, and Sweden to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
The accession of the four countries brings the total number of States Parties to the treaty to 62, underscoring its growing role as a key framework for promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.
Later the same day, Thongsavanh led the Lao delegation to the High-Level Meeting of the States Parties to the TAC, held as part of activities commemorating the treaty's 50th anniversary.
The meeting featured discussions on conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy, maritime security cooperation, and emerging regional challenges, including transnational crime, online scams, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and disaster response.
The Lao delegation delivered a statement during the session on addressing emerging threats, reaffirming Laos' commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in tackling shared security challenges.
Participants emphasized the enduring importance of the TAC as a cornerstone of ASEAN's regional architecture, reaffirming its fundamental principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes, renunciation of the threat or use of force, and cooperation for regional development.
Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and strengthening cooperation to promote lasting peace, security, and sustainable development across the region.
KPL
