Laos emphasises need for unity at ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting
Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith underscored the importance of maintaining unity within the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) amidst global political upheavals at the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Vientiane on July 25.
Participants of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in a group photo (Source: asean.org)
Vientiane (VNA) - Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith underscored the importance of maintaining unity within the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) amidst global political upheavals at the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Vientiane on July 25.
In his address, the Lao FM stressed that in the face of rapidly evolving and complex geo-economic and geopolitical changes, ASEAN member states need to strengthen the bloc's centrality and unity. This, he noted, would enhance ASEAN's resilience in overcoming new challenges and seizing future opportunities.
He expressed gratitude to bloc members and partners for their tireless collective efforts in achieving significant milestones and highlighted the importance of efforts to promote peace and stability.
Participating foreign ministers were set to discuss a range of issues at the meeting, including economy, security, climate, and energy. Additionally, expanded meetings with the foreign ministers of partner countries will take place on the sidelines./.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initiative on Eurasian security architecture when he attends events within the framework of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-57) and related meetings in Laos, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko.
A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, who is also head of the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) delegation of Vietnam, attended the Meeting of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Interface with the Representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in Vientiane on July 24.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, who is also head of the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) delegation of Vietnam, attended the SOM in Laos on July 23 to review and complete preparations for the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-57) and related meetings.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
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In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
