Laos Voices Appreciation Of Asia-Europe Partnership

Source: Vientiane Times

Laos values the Asia-Europe Partnership as an important forum for promoting cooperation and understanding between the peoples of the two regions.

This was the message from Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith on behalf of the government when addressing the opening ceremony of the online Asia-Europe (Asem) High-level Policy Dialogue to mark the 25th anniversary of Asem on Tuesday.

Mr Saleumxay, who headed the Lao delegation attending the meeting, highlighted the cooperation between the two regions over the past two and half decades, saying the cooperation framework was an important platform for promoting understanding between the peoples of the two regions on the basis of equality and mutual interest.

He highlighted the success of projects and activities under the Asia-Europe Foundation, which he said contributed to the Asem cooperation framework and strengthened cooperation in the three pillars of politics and security, economics and sustainable development, and socio-cultural affairs.

The meeting took the theme “Asem at 25: Strengthening Asia-Europe Partnership in a Transforming World”.

Participants discussed the policy and exchanged views on cooperation between the two regions in a rapidly changing world, and building the vision of strong Asia-Europe cooperation in the coming decade.

They also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, cooperation in connectivity, and sustainable development.

Mr Saleumxay thanked Asem members for the assistance and support provided in procuring Covid-19 vaccines via COVAX, the Asia-Europe Foundation, the supply of medical equipment, and provision of specialists to help combat the virus outbreak in Laos.

He emphasised the need for the continuous promotion of cooperation between Asia and Europe to strengthen sustainable connectivity.