ASEAN leaders reaffirm sustainability commitments

ASEAN retreat. (Photo: Xinhua)

Chiang Mai (People's Daily) - Foreign ministers with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) wrapped a two-day retreat Friday where they emphasized the importance of regional connectivity and reaffirmed sub-regional strategies under the "Advancing Partnership for Sustainability," in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said Thailand's priorities and initiatives under the measure have received strong support from ASEAN members.

The foreign ministers reaffirmed earlier commitments made under the "Community Vision 2025" and the "UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," two measures aimed at building a sustainable community in preparation for the upcoming third High-Level Brainstorming Dialogue in Bangkok in March.

In a press release following the retreat Pramudwanai said, "We underscored the importance of implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and its various blueprints as well as agreements to maintain a strong momentum in building a people-centered ASEAN community that leaves no one behind and looks to the future."

The statement also mentioned that the ASEAN ministers put forth a proposal to send a humanitarian mission to Myanmar to facilitate ongoing relief efforts.

Pramudwinai said a relief timeline would be released once appropriate solution strategies were reached.

Regarding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a proposed free trade group encompassing 16 Asia-Pacific countries, Pramudwinai said the foreign ministers only voiced their support for the negotiations with the China-backed trade pact.

The two-day retreat was the first ASEAN meeting since Thailand assumed the annual chairmanship.

Initiated under Singapore's chairmanship in 1999, the retreat serves as a platform for discussion and exchange on regional issues away from the public spotlight.