VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said the country is all set and ready after chairing a meeting to comprehensively review all of the work carried out so far in preparation for Laos’ chairmanship of Asean next year.
The meeting of the National Committee for Lao Preparation and Chairmanship of Asean reviewed the progress made to date in ensuring that Laos is fully prepared.
Attended by deputy prime ministers, ministers and senior officials from sub-committees, the meeting reviewed preparations ranging from the formulation of an agenda to the accommodation to be provided for the leaders of Asean member states and the bloc’s dialogue partners and their delegations during the Asean Summit and related meetings to be held in Laos.
Meeting participants also discussed the preparation of vehicles to be used by state leaders, heads of state of Asean and dialogue partners, and their delegations.
Meeting venues, equipment, facilities, service personnel, the necessary budget and more were also tabled for discussion, all aimed at ensuring that arrangements are fully in place and everything runs smoothly during meetings hosted by Laos.
Laos is set to take on the Asean Chair, succeeding Indonesia, at an official ceremony expected to take place during the 43rd Asean Summit and related meetings to be held on September 4-7 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Prime Minister Sonexay told meeting participants to make more efficient and detailed arrangements to ensure Laos’ successful chairmanship of the 10-member regional bloc in 2024.
This will be the third time Laos has served as the Asean Chair, after being previously assigned to the role in 2004-05 and 2016. - Vientiane Times/ANN
