VIENTIANE, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Foreign Ministers' Retreat has opened in northern Laos' Luang Prabang province under the theme of "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience."
The meeting, chaired by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith on Monday, discusses on the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and priorities for Laos' ASEAN Chairmanship 2024, and on concrete and sustainable ways to further strengthen the ASEAN community, ASEAN unity, centrality and resilience amid regional and global challenges.
During the meeting, participants exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern.
The meeting underscored the importance of an inclusive and holistic approach in the development of the strategic plans and in this regard, encouraged further consultations with relevant stakeholders across the three pillars of ASEAN Community on cross-cutting issues.
The meeting agreed to further promote ASEAN Plus Three (APT) cooperation in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the East Asian region with ASEAN as the driving force, including through the implementation of APT Cooperation Work Plan 2023-2027.
The meeting also reviewed the progress on the implementation of the outcomes of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and other related meetings held in Indonesia in 2023. ■
