44th and 45th ASEAN Summits Kick Off in Vientiane, Laos
The 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and related events began on October 9 in Vientiane, Laos, focusing on the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.” Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith urged member countries to uphold peace, stability, and sustainable development while honoring their commitments to multilateralism. This year marks a significant opportunity for ASEAN to build a more integrated and resilient community in response to pressing challenges.
In his address, President Sisoulith highlighted ASEAN’s successes over the past 57 years in community building and peace promotion. He emphasized that collaboration guided by “the ASEAN Way” is essential for the region’s socio-economic development. The summits will feature discussions on enhancing connectivity and resilience to strengthen the ASEAN Community and address challenges such as climate change and transnational crime.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone outlined nine priorities for the ASEAN Year 2024, indicating positive progress toward an interconnected community and strategies aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. He stressed the need for timely cooperation to address armed conflicts, economic difficulties, and complex geopolitical situations, advocating for autonomy and collaboration among member states.
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 44th & 45th ASEAN Summits (October 9, 2024) | Theme: “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”; Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith emphasized peace, stability, and multilateralism. |
| ASEAN 2024 Goals | Focus on regional integration, addressing climate change, transnational crime, and promoting socio-economic development. |
| Lao Leadership | President: Thongloun Sisoulith; Prime Minister: Sonexay Siphandone outlined 9 priorities aligned with ASEAN Community Vision 2045. |
| ASEAN Overview | Full Name: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); Established: August 8, 1967; Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia. |
| Founding Members | Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand. |
| Current Membership | 10 countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam included. |
| ASEAN Objectives | Promote Regional Peace, Economic Growth, Cultural Exchange, Multilateralism. |
| ASEAN Key Principles | Non-Interference, Consensus-based decisions, Equality among members. |
| ASEAN Economic Integration | ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) for regional integration, free trade, and movement of goods, services, and investments. |
| Political & Security Cooperation | ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). |
| Socio-Cultural Cooperation | Cultural Exchange Programs, Disaster Management Cooperation. |
| Recent Developments | ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, COVID-19 Response. |
| Challenges for ASEAN | Geopolitical Tensions (China, U.S.), Internal Conflicts, Economic Disparities among members. |
| Summits & Related Meetings | Regular ASEAN Summits, ASEAN Plus Three, East Asia Summit. |
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