Vientiane, October 09, 2024 – The Europe Today: The 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, along with several related high-level meetings, commenced in the Laotian capital today, bringing together leaders from the 10-member economic bloc under the theme “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.” As the ASEAN chair for 2024, Laos aims to drive regional integration, positioning itself as a central hub for economic and diplomatic connectivity.
The summit began with a welcoming ceremony at the National Convention Centre (NCC) in Vientiane, where Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, accompanied by his wife, greeted ASEAN leaders. Prime Minister Sonexay delivered an opening address, followed by a keynote speech from Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith.
Among the prominent leaders attending the summit are Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Indonesian Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived at Wattay International Airport on the evening of 8 October and is set to deliver a speech during the closed-door plenary session alongside other ASEAN leaders.
Following the plenary session, Anwar is scheduled to participate in a series of high-level meetings, including the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council. He will also engage in dialogues with ASEAN youth representatives, reflecting the bloc’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation across multiple sectors.
Bilateral meetings are a key focus of the summit. Anwar is expected to hold discussions with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, marking Timor-Leste’s participation as an observer state in ASEAN, before joining Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong for a closed-door bilateral meeting.
Anwar will conclude his day by attending a dinner hosted by the Malaysian Ambassador to Laos at Rumah Malaysia in Vientiane.
The 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, set to run until 11 October, will focus on enhancing economic connectivity, resilience, and integration across Southeast Asia. Laos, as chair, aims to reinforce regional cooperation, pushing forward its agenda of transforming the country from a landlocked state into a key player in ASEAN’s broader connectivity efforts.
The summits are expected to address pressing issues such as regional economic recovery, post-pandemic resilience, and strengthening ASEAN’s global influence, alongside discussions on regional security, climate change, and digital transformation.
