Laos Reaffirms Commitment to ASEAN Cooperation on 59th Anniversary

Laos reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN cooperation on the occasion of the bloc's 59th anniversary. The nation highlighted ASEAN's role in maintaining peace and stability while fostering economic cooperation and integration. Mr. Thongsavanh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, stated that ASEAN has remained a region of peace and stability, making steady progress in economic cooperation and integration. He emphasized ASEAN's centrality, consensus-based approach, leadership role, and multilateral cooperation as important foundations for the organization's continued success. ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967, by five founding members and expanded to 11 members with the accession of Timor-Leste in October 2025, which is expected to further strengthen the ASEAN Community. He noted that ASEAN continues to face a range of challenges in 2026, including geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainties, conflicts, climate change, natural disasters, and risks to food and energy security. In response, ASEAN has strengthened regional cooperation, including efforts to expand trade and investment and enhance energy security. Significantly, 2026 marks the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, alongside the Strategic Plans for the three ASEAN Community pillars and the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan. The year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). At the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings held in the Philippines last month, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Sweden were welcomed as High Contracting Parties to the TAC, bringing the total number of parties to the treaty to 62. ASEAN's external partnerships have also continued to expand. Türkiye was granted the status of ASEAN's 12th Dialogue Partner, while Denmark, Germany, and Qatar became ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partners. The United Kingdom was also admitted as the 28th participant in the ASEAN Regional Forum. Reflecting on Laos' 29 years of ASEAN membership, Mr. Thongsavanh said the Lao PDR has actively and responsibly participated in ASEAN processes, contributing to national socio-economic development and raising the country's profile in the regional and international arenas. He stated that ASEAN engagement has helped strengthen trade, investment, regional integration, human resource development, and infrastructure connectivity in Laos. Railways, highways, dry ports, and other infrastructure have improved the country's links with regional and international markets, supporting the transformation of the Lao PDR from a landlocked country into a regional and international connectivity hub. Mr. Thongsavanh attributed these achievements to the consistent implementation of Laos' foreign policy of "Peace, Independence, Friendship and Cooperation," along with proactive efforts by ministries, sectors, and relevant stakeholders at both central and local levels. Looking ahead, he said ASEAN would continue to uphold consultation, dialogue, compromise, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation to build trust, strengthen regional solidarity, and advance peace, stability, and sustainable development. Laos has reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN nations and contributing to the region's prosperity and stability.