As ASEAN Chair in 2024, Laos has taken the helm at a critical juncture in the region’s history, steering the organization through a period of geopolitical uncertainties and challenges. In a conversation with H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, he reflects on how Laos' leadership has played a pivotal role in reinforcing ASEAN’s commitment to peace, stability, and development while driving the future of the organization through enhanced connectivity and resilience.
ASEAN's Role in the Global Landscape
According to H.E. Kommasith, ASEAN stands as the most diverse and one of the most important regional organizations globally. With 10 member states and soon to be joined by Timor-Leste, ASEAN’s diversity and inclusivity continue to be central to its identity and influence.
"ASEAN has withstood various tests of time," says Kommasith. "One of our greatest achievements has been the maintenance of peace and stability in Southeast Asia, as well as the promotion of regional development." This success, he notes, is a result of the collective efforts and cooperation of ASEAN member states.
In 2020, ASEAN took a significant step forward with the establishment of the ASEAN Community, which encompasses three pillars: the political-security community, the economic community, and the socio-cultural community. This framework, Kommasith adds, has allowed the region to strengthen its ties and move towards greater integration and cooperation.
2024: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
Despite the success of these initiatives, ASEAN faces significant challenges in 2024. The region continues to grapple with the Myanmar crisis, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a rapidly changing geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape. Kommasith acknowledges that the region is not immune to these uncertainties, but ASEAN has been resilient in addressing these challenges.
"The geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainties we face this year are significant, but ASEAN has remained steadfast in its commitment to stability and development," he explains. "Our efforts are grounded in ASEAN centrality—the idea that ASEAN must remain at the heart of regional security and cooperation, particularly as the global landscape evolves."
As ASEAN approaches the final stages of the ASEAN Vision 2025, Laos has used its 2024 chairmanship to lay the groundwork for the organization’s next 20-year roadmap: the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. This vision will focus on fostering greater cooperation, resilience, and connectivity across ASEAN, aligning the organization’s goals with the region's future challenges and opportunities.
Strengthening ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience
The theme for Laos’ ASEAN chairmanship this year—“Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”—highlights the importance of regional integration and collaboration. Kommasith emphasizes that a connected ASEAN will be better equipped to respond to emerging challenges, whether economic, political, or environmental.
"We believe that a connected and resilient ASEAN is key to strengthening the three pillars of our community: political security, economic growth, and social-cultural cooperation," he says.
To this end, Laos has identified nine priority areas to enhance ASEAN’s connectivity and resilience, which will guide the work of the organization through the year. These include:
- Integrating and Connecting Economies
- Building an Inclusive and Sustainable Future
- Promoting Digital Transformation
- Fostering Culture and Arts
- Developing Strategic Plans for ASEAN Vision 2045
- Strengthening ASEAN Centrality
- Promoting Women and Children’s Rights
- Protecting the Environment
- Ensuring Public Health Security
Kommasith stresses that these areas are not just priorities for Laos but for the entire ASEAN Community. "The ASEAN chairmanship is not about one country’s priorities; it’s a process of building on the achievements of the previous chair and setting the stage for the next. The work we do this year is part of a long-term commitment to community building," he explains.
ASEAN's External Relations and Global Engagement
In addition to internal goals, ASEAN has also strengthened its external relations under Laos' leadership. ASEAN’s open and inclusive external relations policy, with a focus on ASEAN centrality, has helped deepen cooperation with global partners. This year, Laos has taken further steps to enhance external partnerships, fostering stronger ties with key dialogue partners through the ASEAN-led mechanisms such as ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three, and the East Asia Summit (EAS).
Kommasith highlights ASEAN’s growing relevance on the global stage, noting the increased interest from external partners in working with ASEAN. "We now have six comprehensive strategic partnerships and more partners are eager to deepen their engagement with ASEAN," he shares. These partnerships, he explains, help to build a rules-based regional order where ASEAN remains central to maintaining peace and stability.
In particular, Laos’ leadership has supported ASEAN’s long-standing commitment to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), which has gained significant traction, with new signatories including Luxembourg, bringing the total number of high contracting parties to 55. This treaty is a key instrument for promoting peaceful, cooperative relations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Myanmar and the ASEAN Consensus
One of the most pressing challenges ASEAN has faced in recent years has been the crisis in Myanmar. As chair of ASEAN in 2024, Laos has continued to advocate for the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, a roadmap agreed upon by ASEAN leaders in 2021 to address the political crisis in Myanmar. Kommasith notes that despite setbacks, ASEAN has made progress in engaging with Myanmar, including inviting a non-political representative to attend ASEAN summits and foreign ministers meetings.
“Although Myanmar’s situation remains complex, ASEAN is committed to dialogue and finding a peaceful resolution through our Five-Point Consensus,” Kommasith states. "Our priority is to ensure that ASEAN remains a credible force for peace and stability in the region."
Looking Ahead: ASEAN’s Vision 2045
Looking to the future, Laos has played an integral role in developing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, a long-term blueprint for the region. This vision will include four strategic plans to guide the organization through the next two decades, focusing on political-security cooperation, economic integration, socio-cultural exchange, and connectivity. The Vision 2045 will be formally adopted during the first summit of 2025, under Malaysia’s leadership.
Kommasith explains, "We are working closely with Malaysia, our co-shepherd, to develop a shared vision that will guide ASEAN through the next 20 years. This strategic plan will ensure ASEAN’s continued relevance and resilience in a rapidly changing world."
Timor-Leste's Membership and ASEAN’s Growth
A significant milestone for ASEAN is the anticipated inclusion of Timor-Leste as its 11th member. Having participated as an observer since 2022, Timor-Leste's full membership is expected to be finalized soon, adding to ASEAN’s strength and diversity.
Kommasith underscores that ASEAN’s growth is not only about increasing its membership but about ensuring that all member states can participate equally in ASEAN activities. "We have worked closely with Timor-Leste, helping them integrate into ASEAN’s processes, despite their limited resources," he says. "We look forward to welcoming them fully into the ASEAN family."
A Vision for a Stronger ASEAN
As Laos' leadership in 2024 nears its end, Kommasith reflects on the challenges and successes of the past year. "It has been a year of great responsibility, but also one of significant progress," he says. "We have made important strides in enhancing ASEAN’s connectivity, resilience, and centrality, and I am confident that we will see these efforts continue under the next chairmanship."
Laos' leadership in 2024 has proven pivotal in bridging ASEAN's future, reinforcing its commitment to peace, stability, and development, and setting the stage for a more connected, resilient Southeast Asia in the decades to come.
