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Lao delegation attends ASEAN meeting in Thailand
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith is set to
lead a Lao delegation to attends ASEAN be held in July
16-23.The Meeting include the 42nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM),
the Post Ministerial Conferences to Thailand ASEAN Regional Forum
(ARF).
Talks began on July 16 with senior officials joining preparatory dialogue.
Ministerial-level meetings will start today and will run until Thursday.
Dr. Thongloun will also attend the first meeting held between members of the
Mekong River Commission and US officials, as well as bilateral meeting with
other foreign Ministers.
The ASEAN meetings are being held as the atmosphere and circumstances of the
world and region change rapidly and in a complex manner.
These changes have created both opportunities and challenges for cooperation
among ASEAN members, and between ASEAN and countries outside the group.
The ASEAN Meeting are seen as important for ASEAN and its dialogue partners as
well as countries attending the ARF as they meet to review and discuss
directions for future cooperation.
During the meetings, member countries are set to review the progress for
building the ASEAN community and the implementation of the ASEAN Charter.
Implementation of various agreements reached at the 14th ASEAN Summit
held earlier this year is also on the agenda.
The Foreign Ministers of the ASEAN group of nations will also discuss and
exchange ideas regarding outstanding regional and global issues of mutual
interest.
For Laos, attending the ASEAN meeting is an opportunity to continue implementing
the Party’s consistent foreign policy of peace, independence, unity and
cooperation with other nations.
The government believes attending the ASEAN Meetings will also enhance
cooperation among ASEAN members and contribute to promoting the peace process,
stability, security and cooperation in the region and world.
The ASEAN Meeting will the theme of “Acting Together to Cope with Global
Challenges,” will discuss a variety of issues relating to economics, politics,
society, culture and disaster-prevention and management.
The issue of the new flu outbreak issue is certain to be raised for discussion
at the meeting.
In addition to Laos, the ASEAN nation group comprises Brunei, Cambodia,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
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