Vientiane (VNA) – A conference of the ASEAN Francophone community was held on September 17 in Vientiane, Laos, to strengthen connections and promote cooperation in the region.
The event saw the participation of Mayor of Vientiane Athsaphangthong Siphandone, representatives of the Association of French-speaking ASEAN Mayors, international organisations and diplomatic missions in Laos.
In his opening speech, Athsaphangthong said that the ASEAN francophone conference was first held in 2017, jointly organised by local administrations in the ASEAN region, within the framework of strategic cooperation between the International Association of French-speaking Mayors (AIMF) and the European Union (EU).
The framework emphasised the importance and necessity of establishing a network of mayors in the ASEAN region to maintain coordination and exchanges in community connectivity and urban development.
The cooperation framework includes information technology data management, smart city development and climate change response.
Athsaphangthong said that Vientiane has contributed significantly to promoting solidarity and cooperation in the region. It will continue to promote policies and measures for further community connectivity and sustainable development./.
