BANGKOK, June 21 (TNA) – Thailand is ready to host the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok on June 22-23, which will be the first meeting chaired by Thailand, after taking over ASEAN chairmanship from Singapore.
This year’s theme, “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability” is in line with the 3 Pillars of ASEAN Community, namely, the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).
During the summit, ASEAN leaders will push for negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) by the end of this year.
The RCEP mega-trade pact involves 16 nations, including ASEAN countries plus India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
Moreover, the impacts of US.-China Trade War, the United States’ new Indo-Pacific strategy, the situation in the Korean Peninsula, Rohingya crisis, Timor Leste’s application to be ASEAN’s 11th member state are among the topics of discussion to be put on the table.
Outcome documents, expected to be signed by the ASEAN leaders include the ASEAN Leaders Vision on Partnership for Sustainability, the Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris, the ASEAN Leaders Statement on ASEAN Cultural Year for 2019, and ASEAN Indo-Pacific Outlook.
Throughout the year 2019, Thailand will be hosting over 280 meetings, all of which focus on promoting ASEAN sustainability in every dimension.
Thai people are invited to join hands in welcoming national leaders who will visit the country to attend the ASEAN Summit. (TNA)
