VIENTIANE, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Laos has benefited from joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which was established 56 years ago, a top Lao diplomat has said.
Delivering a commemorative message to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the 10-member bloc and Laos' accession to the group, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith said that ASEAN has brought tangible benefits to Laos after the country joined the regional bloc 26 years ago.
According to Socio-Economic News on Monday, Saleumxay said that throughout the past 26 years, all line agencies of Laos have actively and responsively participated in ASEAN activities and cooperation, which has also raised the profile of Laos in the regional and international arena.
As an inter-governmental regional organization with unity in diversity, ASEAN has contributed to a common course of promoting and maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world, he said.
Laos will assume the ASEAN chairmanship for the third time in 2024, when the bloc will focus on fully implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.
Laos will lead in developing the ASEAN Community's Post-2025 Vision, amongst other matters, Saleumxay said, adding that Laos' ASEAN chairmanship in 2024 is another opportunity to promote the Lao culture and tradition. ■
