In his opening remarks, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand, which holds the ASEAN Chair in 2019, reviewed the formation and development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), noting that during this process, the bloc has proved itself as an important factor helping its members to swiftly recover from and overcome many challenges like financial crises and natural disasters.

The ASEAN is now a peaceful region with mutual respect, he said, noting that a strong and united ASEAN is the main factor to ensure stability and development of the region.

With the ASEAN Chairmanship 2019’s theme “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability”, the grouping looks towards the dream of building a community that is sustainable in all the three pillars, oriented towards the people, centers on the people and leaves no one behind.

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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (fifth, right) and other ASEAN leaders pose for a photo at the opening ceremony of the 34th ASEAN Summit

It also aims to maintain peace, stability and look towards the future; capitalize on opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to promote the digital economy and green growth; enhance relations with partners to develop sustainably and gain a higher global stature for ASEAN; and step up connectivity in all fields towards a seamless ASEAN, the Thai PM said.

The host leader added Thailand will continue inheriting the works of the previous ASEAN Chair holding countries while promoting concrete initiatives, including those to strengthen security, foster prosperity and increase people-to-people exchange.

At the opening ceremony, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and other ASEAN leaders together launched the ASEAN satellite warehouse in Chainat province of Thailand under the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN. The facility will help with the rapid mobilization and distribution of relief items to disaster-hit areas in the member countries.

Source: VNA