The ASEAN forum in Laos is preparing to welcome “Prime Minister Paethongtarn” for an official visit and to join hands with leaders to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN meetings, and to participate in bilateral forums on 8-11 October, aiming to drive the strategic partnership for sustainable growth and development between Thailand and Laos, and to continue cooperation within the ASEAN framework to be stronger.
Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, Advisor to the Prime Minister, revealed that Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister and her delegation are scheduled to pay an official visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) on October 8, 2024, including attending the 44th – 45th ASEAN Summits and related summits during October 9 – 11, 2024 in Vientiane Capital, at the invitation of Mr. Sonxay Siphandon, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR. This visit to the Lao PDR will be the Prime Minister’s first official visit abroad as the leader of an ASEAN member state.
On October 8, 2024, the Prime Minister is scheduled to m
eet and discuss with Mr. Sonxay Siphandon, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, and Mr. Saysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of the Lao PDR, as well as pay a courtesy call on Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao PDR, to discuss ways to drive the strategic partnership for sustainable growth and development between Thailand and Laos, especially cooperation in solving drug problems, online fraud, human trafficking, cross-border haze, water management in the Mekong River, and connectivity in transportation and tourism to promote the well-being of the people of both countries.
Then, during 9-11 October 2024, the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the 44th-45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, which Lao PDR, as the ASEAN Chair in 2024, is hosting under the main theme of ‘ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’.
Mr. Chirayu said that this is the first time that the Prime Minister has attended an ASEAN meeting. In addition to the discussions among ASEAN leaders, there will also b
e discussions between ASEAN leaders and dialogue partners, including China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Australia, India, the United States, and Canada, as well as the United Nations, to discuss important issues such as strengthening the ASEAN Community, promoting cooperation between ASEAN and external parties, and important regional and international situations. In addition, the Prime Minister is scheduled to join discussions with representatives of various sectors, including the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, and ASEAN Youth, as well as the 2nd Asia Zero Emission Community Leaders’ Meeting, and is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with leaders from various countries who will attend this meeting. .
Source: Thai News Agency