(KPL) On July 25, 2024, at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith presided over the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the Tripartite Meeting between Laos, the ASEAN Secretariat, and Norway.

The 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting reviewed the progress in building the ASEAN Community, including the advancements made under Laos' ASEAN Chairmanship with the theme "Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience." The meeting focused on the development of strategic plans to implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which includes political-security, economic, socio-cultural community strategies, and connectivity strategies.

The meeting also discussed applications for membership in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and expressed satisfaction that Algeria, Finland, Luxembourg, Spain, and Mexico will sign the treaty soon.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers also reviewed the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus of ASEAN leaders, ASEAN's external relations, and reiterated the importance of ASEAN centrality in regional cooperation frameworks. They exchanged views on prominent regional and international issues of mutual interest.

DPM Saleumxay Kommasith also chaired the Tripartite Meeting between Laos, the ASEAN Secretariat, and Norway. The meeting highlighted the progress of ASEAN-Norway sectoral partnership since its establishment in 2015, focusing on the appendix of the ASEAN-Norway Plan of Action (2021-2025). Future cooperation directions were also discussed.

The Deputy Prime Minister also held bilateral meetings with several ASEAN member states and ASEAN dialogue partners to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation.

KPL