Kuala Lumpur: The Prime Minister participated in the 46th ASEAN Summit and contributed to establishing a new vision for ASEAN's development over the next two decades. The focus was on comprehensive participation to address future challenges.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, was present at the summit held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center in Malaysia. The summit, hosted by Malaysia under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', saw the participation of leaders from nine ASEAN member states. Observers included Dr. Kao Kim Hoan, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste.
Before the meeting commenced, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim invited the ASEAN leaders for a group photo session. Discussions during the summit involved strategies to strengthen the ASEAN Community amidst global uncertainties, and how ASEAN should conduct its relations with external parties.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for ASEAN to re-evaluate its strategies to cope with the volatile global economy, including the impact of US tariffs. She advocated for deeper cooperation within ASEAN, leveraging existing Free Trade Agreements and exploring new partnerships. The focus was also on empowering entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises to withstand future challenges.
Thailand expressed its support for a transparent, free, and fair multilateral trading system, aiming to complete the Digital Economy Framework Agreement by 2025 to unlock growth and promote 'inclusive and sustainable participation'. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of improving life quality in ASEAN, emphasizing health, food security, and combating transnational crimes and disasters.
Additionally, the Prime Minister proposed initiatives to boost ASEAN's growth engines, such as the tourism sector, by enhancing cross-border infrastructure and promoting cultural heritage. As the ASEAN coordinator on sustainable development, Thailand is committed to driving a green and sustainable ASEAN, focusing on green finance, climate change, clean energy, and digital transformation.
The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the 'ASEAN Community Vision 2045', aiming to drive ASEAN towards a shared future of growth, peace, partnership, and progress.
Following the ASEAN Leaders' Meeting, nine outcome documents were endorsed, including the KL Declaration on the 10th Anniversary of the ASEAN Community's Establishment, ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and the ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on ASEAN Drug Security and Self-Reliance, among others.