Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his ASEAN counterparts gather at the opening of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia on Monday.

PM Sonexay attends ASEAN Summit in Malaysia

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone is attending the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, strengthening unity and promoting inclusive, sustainable development across Southeast Asia.
The summit, which began on May 26, brings together heads of government from the 10 ASEAN member states to discuss regional cooperation under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
Prime Minister Sonexay is leading the Lao delegation and taking part in related summits.
This year’s gathering is especially significant as ASEAN marks the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Community and concludes the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.
Leaders praised the progress made since the launch of the ASEAN Community Vision 2015 and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The 2045 vision is guided by four strategic frameworks: the ASEAN Political-Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity.
These aim to create a region that is resilient, innovative, people-centred, and environmentally responsible.
Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair for 2025, is placing strong emphasis on ensuring that all segments of society benefit from ASEAN cooperation, while addressing long-term challenges such as climate change and digital transformation.
During the opening plenary session, leaders reviewed the progress made under Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship and agreed on forward-looking strategies to deepen integration and promote equal development across the region.
A highlight of the summit was the agreement to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th full member of ASEAN by the end of this year.
Speaking at the gathering, Prime Minister Sonexay expressed gratitude to ASEAN member countries and external partners for supporting Laos during the country’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2024.
He said Laos will continue to work closely with Malaysia and other stakeholders to ensure the fulfilment of ASEAN’s goals, especially in strengthening cooperation under the Vision 2045 framework.
Leaders also held a retreat session to discuss the situation in Myanmar and implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.
They exchanged views on regional and global challenges, stressing the need for sustainable and inclusive solutions.
As part of broader engagement efforts, leaders held dialogues with members of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, youth representatives, and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council.
The meeting with youth leaders was held under the theme “Youth for a Sustainable Future: Empowering Inclusion and Driving Change in ASEAN”.
Leaders recognised the vital role of young people in shaping the region’s future and called for greater investment in education and digital skills.
In their dialogue with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, leaders reviewed the council’s 2025 priorities under the theme “Unifying Markets for Shared Prosperity”.
They supported efforts to boost regional economic integration and ensure that growth reaches people at all levels.
The summit highlighted ASEAN’s continued focus on unity, fairness, and long-term development, aiming to build a community where no one is left behind.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 28, 2025)