Kuala lumpur: Maris Sangiampong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, joined the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Malaysia, marking the debut of a bilateral initiative between Vietnam and the Philippines aimed at enhancing trade cooperation and addressing regional situations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Maris Sangiampong revealed his participation at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related gatherings as a pivotal moment for Thailand. This platform allows Thailand to advocate for regional and international issues alongside fellow ASEAN member countries and dialogue partners. Over the course of the week, Mr. Maris is expected to attend over 20 meetings, focusing on six key areas: promoting ASEAN centrality and unity amidst global geopolitical volatility, strengthening economic and digital cooperation, supporting sustainable development, promoting human security, and reinforcing ASEAN’s role in resolving the Myanmar situation, particularly in implementing the 5-point consensus.
The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) and Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC) also present an opportunity for bilateral discussions with foreign ministers from various countries. These discussions aim to enhance bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and global situations.
Mr. Maris shared insights from his bilateral discussions with H.E. Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam. They discussed extending the visit of Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, to Vietnam in May. Both parties agreed to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership through existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, such as the Joint Committee on Trade and Investment (JTC) and the Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC). This plan aims to expedite cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in High Technology sectors like AI and semiconductors, with private companies identified as key players.
Additionally, Mr. Maris disclosed the outcomes of his discussions with Ms. Maria Teresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. He extended congratulations to Ms. Lazaro on her new position and expressed readiness to support the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship next year. The discussions also included promoting economic, trade, and investment cooperation through the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) and enhancing cooperation in food security.