ASEAN countries welcome Vietnam’s initiatives to enhance cooperation

Senior officials of the ASEAN member states expressed unanimity for Vietnam’s initiatives to promote political-security cooperation within the ASEAN bloc in 2020 at the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Preparatory Meeting (Prep-SOM) in Bangkok on November 1.
ASEAN countries welcome Vietnam’s initiatives to enhance cooperation ảnh 1Senior officials of the ASEAN member states at the Prep-SOM on November 1 (Photo: VNA)

Bangkok (VNA) – Senior officials of the ASEAN member states expressedunanimity for Vietnam’s initiatives to promote political-security cooperationwithin the ASEAN bloc in 2020 at the ASEAN Senior Officials’ PreparatoryMeeting (Prep-SOM) in Bangkok on November 1.

The initiatives include conducting a mid-term review of the ASEANPolitical-Security Community Blueprint 2025, consolidating the ASEAN RegionalForum, and enhancing the role of the ASEAN Maritime Forum in coordinating seacooperative activities in the region.

The Prep-SOM, chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Thai Foreign MinistryBusaya Mathelin, aimed to review preparation for the 35th ASEAN Summitand related summits, comprising working programmes, agenda and more than 40documents expected to be submitted to high-ranking leaders for approval.

On theoccasion, Thailand looked back at the implementation of priorities and majorinitiatives during 2019, the year it holds the ASEAN Chair, such as aninitiative to develop ASEAN human resources, and build Complementaritiesbetween the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda forSustainable Development.

Participants at the meeting discussed in particular issues related to thecooperation between ASEAN and its dialogue partners, such as preparation forthe ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit in November 2019, thepossibility of organizing an annual ASEAN-Australia Summit since 2020, and promotingthe implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Seaand negotiations for the Code of Conduct in the waters between ASEAN and China.

In the afternoon of the same day, the Preparatory Regional ComprehensiveEconomic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting deliberated on the finalizationof negotiations of the RCEP. This proposed free trade agreement comprisesthe ten ASEAN Member States and its six free trade agreement partners outsidethe region: China, Japan, India, Republic of Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

The 35th ASEAN Summit and related Summits are taking place in Bangkok and Nonthaburi fromNovember 2-4./. 
VNA

See more

The website of the Anti-Fake News Centre has had nearly 28 million views. (Bangkok Post File Photo)

Thailand to use AI to prevent fake news

The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society said it is cooperating with over 300 agencies to eradicate fake news while looking to use articial intelligence (AI) to verify news reports.

Illustrative image (Photo: https://nationthailand.com)

Nissan to close factory in Thailand

The company expects to cut or transfer about 1,000 jobs in Thailand and stated that reducing operating expenses by around 400 billion JPY (2.62 billion USD) in the 2026 fiscal year will help maintain a stable operating profit margin of 4%.

The North of Thailand is grappling with a surge in wildfires, with 401 hotspots detected across 17 provinces (Photo: The Nation)

Wildfires rage northern Thailand

The North of Thailand is grappling with a surge in wildfires, with 401 hotspots detected across 17 provinces, the Region 3 Forest Fire Control Centre said on February 13.

Thailand suspends issuance of gun carrying permits to curb crime

Thailand suspends issuance of gun carrying permits to curb crime

Traisuree said the order was issued because many people in Thailand carry firearms in public places without a sound reason. Some display their firearms in public to intimidate others. Such habits could lead to crime and danger to people’s lives, properties and morale, she said.

Participants pose for a group photo at the 31st ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation in China's Ningbo city on February 13, 2025. (Photo: https://asean.org/)

China proposes new initiatives of cooperation with ASEAN

The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for ASEAN's community-building efforts and the bloc’s central role in regional affairs, emphasising the priority China places on its relationship with ASEAN as part of its neighbourhood diplomacy.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Seri Mohamad Hasan (right) and his Cuban counterpart Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla in Kuala Lumpur on February 13. (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia, Cuba strengthen bilateral ties

Malaysian Foreign Minister Seri Mohamad Hasan met with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla in Kuala Lumpur on February 13, where discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in trade, health care, education and tourism.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which stands 1,703 meters tall, has erupted multiple times in recent months. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Indonesia raises volcano alert to highest level

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which stands 1,703 meters tall, has erupted multiple times in recent months. In November, a series of eruptions killed nine people, forced thousands to flee, and disrupted international flights to Bali.

Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane holds an online meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on February 10 (Source: rapchilaoviet.org)

Laos, Australia seek stronger cooperation

They two sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in key areas outlined in the Comprehensive Partnership Action Plan, including human resources development, trade and investment, climate change mitigation, sustainable energy development, security, law enforcement, and other important areas.