Kuala Lumpur: The Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, attended the 46th ASEAN Summit held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center in Malaysia, where she played a pivotal role in establishing a new vision for ASEAN. This vision aims to strengthen the ASEAN community over the next 20 years with an emphasis on comprehensive participation to address future challenges.
According to Thai News Agency, the summit, hosted by Malaysia, was themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. It saw the participation of leaders from nine ASEAN member states, including notable figures like the King of Brunei Darussalam, the Presidents of Indonesia and the Philippines, and the Prime Ministers of Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hoan, and the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste were present as observers.
Before the summit commenced, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim facilitated a group photo session with the ASEAN leaders. The discussions focused on reinforcing the ASEAN Community's strength and stability amid global uncertainties, as well as enhancing ASEAN's relationships with external partners.
In her address, Prime Minister Paethongtarn emphasized the need for ASEAN to reassess its strategies in response to the volatile global economy, including challenges posed by US tariffs. She advocated for deeper regional cooperation, leveraging existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and exploring new partnerships. She also highlighted the importance of empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to face future challenges.
Thailand expressed its commitment to a transparent, free, and fair multilateral trading system, with an aim to finalize the Digital Economy Framework Agreement by 2025. The goal is to unlock growth and promote 'inclusive and sustainable participation'. The Prime Minister stressed the necessity of improving ASEAN citizens' quality of life, addressing health and food security, and combating transnational crimes.
Moreover, the Prime Minister called for the promotion of ASEAN's growth sectors, such as tourism, through enhanced cross-border infrastructure and travel practices. She underscored the significance of shared cultural heritage and sustainable development, emphasizing green finance, climate change, clean energy, and digital transformation.
During the summit, nine outcome documents were endorsed, including key declarations and strategic plans aimed at fostering a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN by 2045. The Prime Minister expressed her satisfaction in contributing to the 'ASEAN Community Vision 2045', which she hopes will lead to peace, partnership, and progress for the region.