VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN) - Asean has made an important contribution to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and around the world over the 52 years of the bloc’s existence.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Saleumxay Kommasith affirmed the government’s view when highlighting the achievements of the regional grouping at the Asean flag-raising ceremony held yesterday in Vientiane.
The event marked 52 years of Asean and the 22nd anniversary of Laos’ accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Mr Saleumxay particularly highlighted regional achievements over recent years since the establishment of the Asean Community in 2015, consisting of three pillars, namely the Asean Political-Security Community, Asean Economic Community, and Asean Social-Cultural Community.
One of the critical achievements of Asean as an inter-governmental rules-based organisation has been contributing to partnership and cooperation among Asean members as well as with dialogue partners based on the principles enshrined in the Asean Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
Asean relations are also based on Asean-led mechanisms such as the principles of peaceful coexistence, respect for independence and sovereignty, non-interference, peaceful solutions, consensus and mutual benefits by taking into account the region’s diversity, which is known as “the Asean Way”.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations was established on August 8, 1967, and Laos gained full membership of the bloc on July 23, 1997.
Mr Saleumxay said that over the past 22 years since Laos joined Asean, it has actively participated in the collective processes of the regional inter-government organisation, which significantly promoted the role of Laos in the region and the world.
At the same time, he said the Asean Free Trade Areas and Free Trade Areas with dialogue partners have significantly contributed to promoting trade and investment in Laos.
Asean today is one of the world’s most successful regional organisations. It is outward-looking and plays an instrumental role in shaping an open and inclusive regional architecture with Asean at the centre.
“The Lao PDR is proud to be part of the Asean family and grateful for the assistance, support and cooperation from Asean member states and external partners extended to the country, which has enabled us to fully and effectively participate in all areas of cooperation under the Asean framework over the past 22 years, and brings the utmost benefits to our country,” the minister said.
