ASEAN hailed for fostering development across region

Summits explore ways to enhance connectivity amid challenges

The 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits were held on Wednesday in Vientiane, with regional leaders and officials discussing ways to enhance the bloc's connectivity and resilience amid geopolitical challenges.

During the opening ceremony, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has made achievements in fostering peace, stability, and prosperity across Southeast Asia, providing a favorable environment for socioeconomic development in member states.

As the regional and international environments are undergoing rapid and complex changes, Thongloun said ASEAN must continue to uphold its common cause of peace, stability, and sustainable development, as well as its commitment to multilateralism based on equality and mutual benefit.