Leaders at the 35th ASEAN Summit (Photo: VNA) Bangkok (VNA) – The 35th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits,held in Thailand from November 2-4, had concluded successfully, said ThaiPrime Minister PrayutChan-o-cha at a press conference on November 4 evening.
Leadersfrom 18 countries around the world, along with the United NationsSecretary-General and the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund(IMF), gathered in Thailand for the meetings.
Thesuccess of the meetings demonstrated ASEAN’s central role in the regionalarchitecture, and ASEAN’s function as a bridge to the partners, he said.
Atthe third Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit, theleaders issued a Joint Leaders’ Statement on the RCEP, stating that the dealwill consolidate the strength of the group, which accounts for 32 percent ofglobal GDP, almost half of the global population and almost 30 percent ofglobal trade.
ASEAN leaders discussedcooperation with external parties to further enhance sustainable security, particularlyin the areas of marine debris, climate change, natural disasters, trans-boundarypollution, and the promotion of education, he noted.
He said that ASEAN leaders haddiscussed how to further pursue the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific throughwin-win cooperation activities and projects based on the principles of mutualtrust, respect and benefits.
The Thai PM congratulated Vietnam on takingover theASEAN Chair in 2020, expressing his belief that in the role, Vietnam will helppromote the stability of the group in all fields./.
VNA
