The 1st session highlighted ASEAN’s priority to build the ASEAN Community and maintain peace and stability in the region.
In his opening speech, Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith affirmed that diversity and differences do not interfere with the development of the ASEAN, mentioning great achievements in the past 50 years. Collectively, the AEC was the 3rd largest economy in Asia and the 7th largest in the world in 2014. It is also central to regional cooperation.
Lao Prime Minister ThongLoun Sisoulith said: "The notable achievements of the ASEAN so far have resulted from both cooperation within the bloc, and the association's external relations, based on the ASEAN’s initiatives and the characteristics of the region. We need to maintain this success in the future".
Foreign ministers of ASEAN member countries recognised the 40-year anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. The treaty was passed by 22 non-ASEAN countries, and expects the participation of Chile, Egypt, Iran, and Morocco this year. The treaty promotes respect for international law and peaceful conflict resolution.
Le Luong Minh, ASEAN Secretary General said: "Regional and global issues such as terrorism, violent extremism and complicated happenings in the East Sea are affecting peace, stability, and security in the region. The meeting focuses on measures that enhance intra-bloc solidarity and ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms and current issues".
ASEAN foreign ministers will continue to attend discussions on Monday and Tuesday, and are expected to release a joint statement from the 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting.
