ASEAN ready for new journey in 2024

Ambassador Vu Ho, acting head of the ASEAN Senior Official Meeting (SOM) delegation of Vietnam (Photo: VNA)

Luang Prabang (VNA) – Ambassador Vu Ho, acting head of the ASEAN Senior Official Meeting (SOM) delegation of Vietnam, on January 28 led a delegation to attend a meeting in Luang Prabang province, Laos to review and complete preparations for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM Retreat).

Ho and other ASEAN SOM heads congratulated Laos on assuming the role of ASEAN Chairmanship 2024. They appreciated the preparations that Laos has made and pledged to coordinate closely with Laos to ensure the success of the event in particular and the Laos’ 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship in general, as well as contribute to further strengthening ASEAN cooperation.

On this occasion, the ASEAN SOM heads discussed issues of concern within ASEAN as well as between ASEAN and its partners.

Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Vu Ho affirmed that Vietnam will continue to participate in ASEAN cooperation activities in 2024 in a proactive, active, responsible, flexible and creative manner. The country will closely coordinate with Laos and other countries to maintain and promote ASEAN's attained achievements, contributing to strengthening its solidarity, unity, and central role as well as enhancing its self-resilience amid new developments in the international and regional situation.

The AMM Retreat is slated to open on January 29 in Luang Prabang. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers will gather for the first time this year to start discussions on Laos’ 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship priorities under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” and to chart ASEAN’s tasks for the rest of the year. The Retreat would also deliberate on the follow-up to the 43rd ASEAN Summit as well as exchange views on regional and international issues./.