ASEAN has navigated numerous challenges, including global pandemics and geopolitical shifts, through cooperation and consensus building, over its 57-year history. Despite these setbacks, ASEAN has made strides by forming partnerships, free trade agreements and establishing various ASEAN centres, strengthening deeper trust and understanding, laying the foundation for regional peace and development.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said this in a titah during the Plenary Session of the 44th ASEAN Summit in Laos yesterday. He also spoke of Timor-Leste’s eventual membership, which will complete the ASEAN family within the Southeast Asian community and enhance further regional cohesion. Brunei also remains committed to supporting Timor-Leste’s endeavours.
As the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 is finalised, His Majesty appreciated the innovative and people-centred vision, which is aimed at improving the lives of the people of ASEAN and enhancing its relevance. In addition, the vision also emphasises on strengthening climate change cooperation, given the increasing number of extreme weather events resulting in the loss of lives, property damage and economic losses. As such, once the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change has been established, it can contribute to implementing the vision by offering policy recommendations to address this urgent issue. His Majesty therefore encouraged the remaining countries to sign the Establishment Agreement. Touching on external relations, His Majesty noted the significant progress made, including adding a new Dialogue Partner and elevating five Strategic Partnerships to a Comprehensive level.
Enhancing linkages is essential for expanding ASEAN’s relevance and unlocking new cooperation areas such as digitalisation and energy transition. In this regard, His Majesty underscored the importance of assessing each application on their respective merits and strengths to ensure proposed partnerships benefit the people and region.
His Majesty also expressed condolences and sympathies on the loss of lives and devastation in the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar caused by Typhoon Yagi.
In concluding the titah, His Majesty thanked the Laos prime minister for his excellent chairmanship this year, as well as extended Brunei Darussalam’s full support for Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chair in 2025.
His Majesty, along with other ASEAN leaders and Timor-Leste, attended the Plenary Session of the 44th ASEAN Summit, discussing the agenda on ‘ASEAN Community Building and the Way Forward’ and ‘External Relations and Future Directions’.
His Majesty attended the opening ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits; Plenary Session of the 44th ASEAN Summit; and Retreat Session of the 45th ASEAN Summit, at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Laos yesterday.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
His Majesty was welcomed by Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. The opening ceremony – also attended by leaders of ASEAN and Timor-Leste – commenced with the ASEAN anthem, ‘The ASEAN Way’, followed by welcoming remarks from the Laos prime minister as this year’s Chairman of ASEAN. The Laos prime minister welcomed all leaders and delegates attending the summits.
Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith also delivered opening remarks. The Laos president presented the 2024 ASEAN Prize to the ASEAN Youth Organisation from Indonesia. The prize honours individuals or organisations that have contributed significantly towards fostering regional integration and strengthening the ASEAN community.
At the end of the summit, outcome documents including the Chairman’s Statement of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit; ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the Development of Strategic Plans to Implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045; ASEAN Declaration on Enhancing Supply Chain Connectivity; ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening the Care Economy and Fostering Resilience Towards the Post-2025 ASEAN Community; ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Strengthening Regional Biosafety and Biosecurity; ASEAN Declaration on the Prevention of Child Labour, including the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour; and ASEAN Public Health Emergency Coordination System (APHECS) Framework were issued and adopted.
At the Retreat Session, His Majesty and the leaders of ASEAN and Timor-Leste discussed the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar and the exchange of views on regional and international issues.
