On July 27, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith chaired several key ASEAN meetings in Vientiane, including the 25th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 14th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum. He also led the delegation at the ASEAN-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The 25th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting reviewed cooperation under the ASEAN Plus Three framework and supported establishing a new work plan for 2023-2027. The ministers valued the cooperation in addressing regional challenges and supported a Lao PDR proposal to enhance regional supply chain connectivity. The 14th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting endorsed a Plan of Action for 2024-2028, focusing on energy and food security, education, climate change, and health.

At the ASEAN-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in digital transformation, technology, and innovation. Preparations for the 12th ASEAN-U.S. Summit in October 2024 were also reviewed. The 31st ASEAN Regional Forum considered and endorsed several important documents, including work plans on combating terrorism, transnational crime, and disaster relief. The forum also discussed regional and international stability challenges, including the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula, Myanmar, the Middle East, and Ukraine.

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