(KPL) The Meeting of the Southeast Asian City Network of the French-speaking Association RVASE (AIMF) was held on September 17, 2024, in Vientiane, co-chaired by Vientiane Mayor Atsaphangthong Siphandone, Frédéric Vallier, senior representative of the Association of French-speaking Mayors, and Leonard Neve from the European Union delegation.

The meeting was also attended by ambassadors from the EU, France, Vietnam, and Cambodia, along with other relevant sectors.

At the opening ceremony, Mr. Atsaphangthong highlighted that the meeting of Réseau des Villes d'Asie du Sud-Est (RVASE)  was first initiated in 2017 by local authorities in Southeast Asia. It was established under the strategic partnership between the Association Internationale des Maires Francophones (AIMF) and the European Union, aimed at enhancing cooperation and exchanging practical methods for addressing crises, integrating citizens, and promoting urban development.

The meeting approved a clear framework for cooperation to achieve common goals, including information technology management, smart city transformation, urban standardization, and strengthening efforts to combat climate change. It served as a key opportunity for delegates to formally exchange views and discuss strategies aimed at reinforcing regional cooperation and relations.

Vientiane Capital continues to play a crucial role in fostering unity and collaboration, with ongoing efforts to promote policies that enhance connectivity and sustainable development. As part of its broader objectives, Laos has designated 2024 as "Visit Laos Year" to promote tourism and strengthen socio-economic cooperation with ASEAN countries, which will yield both direct and indirect economic benefits for the region and beyond.

KPL