Thailand considers ASEAN and Canada "like-minded partners"
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai emphasized that ASEAN and Canada are "like-minded partners", especially in promoting multilateralism in his remarks at the ASEAN-Canada Ministerial Meeting via videoconference on August 5, according to Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign ministers attended the ASEAN-Canada Ministerial Meeting via videoconference. (Photo: VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) - Thai Deputy Prime Minister andForeign Minister Don Pramudwinai emphasized that ASEAN and Canada are"like-minded partners", especially in promoting multilateralism in his remarks at the ASEAN-Canada Ministerial Meeting via videoconference on August 5, according to Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Thai Deputy PrimeMinister also underscored promotion ofinclusive economic growth and advocated the BCG economic model as a solutiontowards COVID-19 recovery.
He said that an enabling environment of trust and confidence in the region will be key to post-pandemic economic revival.
The Meeting discussed the advancement of ASEAN-CanadaDialogue Relations to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region.The focus was on the joint efforts to cope with impacts of the COVID-19pandemic, including Canada’s contribution of CAD 3.5 million to theCOVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund.
The Meeting also discussed how to take forwards ASEAN-Canadacooperation in areas that are mutually beneficial, such as combatingtransnational crime, cybersecurity, trade and investment, MSMEsdevelopment, regional connectivity, gender equality, Women, Peace andSecurity (WPS) agenda, disaster management and relief, labour migration, andeducation.
The Meeting also exchanged views on regional and international issues, with Canada reiterating its continued support for ASEAN centrality andprinciples under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Canada alsoproposed to convene the ASEAN-Canada Commemorative Summit to mark the 45thanniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations in 2022./.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son attended the first Friends of the Mekong (FOM) Ministerial Meeting, which was held on August 5 via videoconference.
Head of the National Assembly (NA) Committee for External Relations Vu Hai Ha had an online meeting with United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Armida Salsiah Alisjabana on August 5 to discuss measures to bolster cooperation in implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Vietnam.
Vietnam prioritises foreign investment projects in high technology, innovation, research and development, and projects that create favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to participate in the value chain, as well as those related to promoting the digital economy and actively contributing to the country’s sustainable socio-economic development.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has welcomed ASEAN's decision to appoint Brunei Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof as their special envoy to Myanmar.
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on August 5 emphasised that the UK has become the first country to be awarded the status of a dialogue partner by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) over the past 25 years.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
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.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
Foreign ministers attended the ASEAN-Canada Ministerial Meeting via videoconference. (Photo: VNA) 
