Vientiane, Lao PDR
October 11, 2024

Capping off this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and Related Summits, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Member State Leaders, including Timor-Leste as an observer, witnessed the turnover of ASEAN Chairmanship from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) to Malaysia during a ceremony at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane.

In this year’s back-to-back 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, Laos proudly reported that it has successfully conducted over 1,250 meetings and activities throughout the year of ASEAN hosting, resulting in 90 outcome documents. These include an ASEAN Leaders’ declaration on the development of a strategic plan to implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, focusing on enhancing supply chain connectivity, sustainable agriculture, strengthening the care economy and resilience, and biosafety and biosecurity.

The Leaders also adopted a declaration promoting the small and medium-sized cultural enterprises aligned with the Green Road for Sustainable Development, the ASEAN joint statement on climate change, and the ASEAN Plus Three Leaders’ statement on strengthening the connectivity of regional supply chains, among others. Additionally, a roadmap was established for the implementation of Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN, and its accession to the Treaty on the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone was approved.

With Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Laos formally passing the gavel symbolizing the ASEAN Chairmanship to Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the 2025 ASEAN theme as ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ reflecting the regional bloc’s aspirations for a truly shared progress, ensuring that no one is left behind.

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