BANGKOK, June 23 (TNA) – The 34th ASEAN Summit agreed to foster closer cooperation on various issues as the leaders reiterated the importance of strengthening the regional economy and supported the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations this year.
Thai Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha said at the press conference on Sunday at the Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, the venue of the ASEAN Summit that the leaders supported Thailand’s initiatives and undertakings to enhance sustainability for ASEAN in all dimensions. This will enable ASEAN to respond to changes and challenges such as the 4th Industrial Revolution, climate change and competitions between countries outside the region, he said.
The summit adopted the Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris in ASEAN region, which demonstrates ASEAN’s commitment to addressing the problem of marine debris in a sustainable manner by supporting innovation and application of scientific knowledge and encouraging the involvement of all stakeholders.
In addition, in order to respond to disasters, ASEAN leaders launched the Satellite Warehouse under the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA).
The bloc also included the ASEAN Center of Military Medicine (ACMM) as a subsidiary body under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’Meeting (ADMM). Its mission is to promote cooperation among ASEAN Member States in the area of military medicine. Both centers are located in Thailand. (TNA)
