Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongphane Savanphet, participated in the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission meeting and the ASEAN Senior Officials meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia to strengthen cooperation between Laos and ASEAN member countries.
During the SEANWFZ meeting, leaders from the bloc discussed the progress on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone Treaty (2023-2027) and the signing of the treaty’s protocol by countries that possess nuclear weapons.
The treaty was signed on 15 December 1995 by all ASEAN members, as a way to preserve Southeast Asia as a region free from nuclear ammunition and other weapons of mass destruction.
Mr. Saleumxay also attended the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which focused on strengthening the ASEAN Community and discussed the implementation of the ASEAN outlook in the Indo-Pacific region.
This document suggests ways to facilitate regional cooperation and promotes peace, stability, and prosperity by addressing common challenges and upholding rules-based regional architecture between ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region.
During his visit to Jakarta, the Deputy PM also attended the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) meeting, discussing the progress on the implementation of the 5-year AICHR work plan in promoting and protecting human rights in the region.
Additionally, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Thongphane took part in the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting, under the Chairmanship of Indonesia.
The main focus of the meeting was to strengthen the bloc’s community and enhance the capacity and efficiency of ASEAN institutions, along with stressing the importance of cooperation with non-ASEAN countries.
During the meeting, Mr. Thongphane provided updates on preparations for the special summit in Australia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the country’s bilateral relations with ASEAN in 2024, along with updates on the ASEAN-Australia action plan for 2025 to 2029.
