On the morning of October 8, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh led a high-level Vietnamese delegation to attend the ASEAN Summit in Laos.

At the invitation of Lao Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair 2024 Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will lead the Vietnamese delegation to the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related high-level meetings in Vientiane, Laos, from October 8 to 11.

Accompanying the Prime Minister are Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son; Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien; Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung; Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Do Duc Duy; Deputy Minister of Public Security Tran Quoc To; Deputy Minister of National Defense Hoang Xuan Chien; Deputy Head of the Government Office Nguyen Sy Hiep; Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Quoc Tri; Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Phan Tam; and Ambassador, Head of Vietnam's Permanent Mission to ASEAN Ton Thi Ngoc Huong.

The 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings are the most important high-level ASEAN events of the year, with the participation of leaders from ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN’s 10 partner countries, along with several representatives from international and regional organizations.

Under the theme "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience," discussions among leaders will focus on strategic issues directly relevant to ASEAN and the region. The aim is to promote dialogue, deepen cooperation, strengthen connectivity, seize opportunities, and overcome challenges.

This is especially significant as the international and regional landscape becomes increasingly complex, with growing challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and other extreme weather events that require joint solutions.

According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, the Vietnamese delegation, led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, is ready to contribute fully to the success of the ASEAN meetings, conveying important messages about ASEAN’s future.

Regarding cooperation strategies, ASEAN has proactively implemented early steps to capitalize on emerging growth drivers. Accordingly, promoting collaboration in potential areas like green, digital, and sustainable development will be the top priority at the ASEAN meetings and between ASEAN and its partners.

The year 2024 marks a significant transition for ASEAN, as it completes the 2025 Master Plan and prepares for the new development phase until 2045. Amidst rapid and profound global changes, ASEAN’s new strategies are expected to elevate regional cooperation and connectivity through innovation and action.

“With nearly six decades of achievements, ASEAN has the capability and capacity to engage and contribute more deeply and effectively to global issues,” said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet.

Quang Phong