Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. – Vientiane Times
LAOS: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, in his address at the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit on Saturday (Aug 17), called for fostering cooperation among countries of the global south to overcome challenges facing the world and advance the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Delivering a statement online to the inaugural leaders’ session of the summit, the Lao PM highlighted the complexities of the current global landscape, where multifaceted challenges continue to stall the implementation of the SDGs.
He underscored the potential and strengths of global south countries, asserting their crucial role in both regional and international contexts.
“Therefore, it is more important than ever to strengthen our collaborative efforts at all levels, fostering both bilateral and multilateral cooperation based on equity and mutual benefit,” the Lao leader told the summit.
This cooperation should extend across various sectors, including political, economic, and social development, as well as trade and investment.
“By working together, we can develop solutions and overcome the challenges faced by our region and the world today,” the Lao PM told the participating leaders.
Initiated by India as the Chair of G20 for 2023, the summit under the theme “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future” brought together leaders and senior representatives from 21 global south countries.
Sonexay added that Laos places great importance on multilateralism for sustainable development, viewing it as essential for the prosperity of developing nations and for promoting peace and security.
Therefore, he stressed that collaboration among Global South countries and relevant regional organisations could significantly boost areas such as trade, investment, tourism, digitalisation, clean energy, education, and the empowerment of women and youth.
As the Chair of Asean in 2024, Laos is working to enhance regional connectivity, integration, and cooperation among Asean member states and between Asean and its external partners.
“Our aim is to further strengthen Asean as a region of peace, stability, and prosperity,” Sonexay said.
“We firmly believe that our ongoing collective efforts among countries in the Global South are crucial for promoting stability and sustainable development, as well as for contributing to international efforts to address global challenges.”
He told the summit that Laos successfully hosted the 57th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings in Vientiane in July.
The productive outcomes of these meetings are expected to further enhance the Asean community and foster collaboration between Asean and its external partners, including India.
The Lao leader also informed the summit that the 44th and 45th Asean Summits, along with related summits, will be held in Vientiane from October 8-11, 2024.
“I would like to reaffirm Lao PDR’s commitment to supporting and collaborating with all developing countries in the Global South, as well as India’s initiatives. Our goal is to promote and enhance our cooperation at all levels for sustainable development and a prosperous future,” the Lao PM concluded. – Vientiane Times/ANN
