ASEAN talks on strengthening regional information, media cooperation

VIENTIANE, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Laos hosted the 27th meeting of the ASEAN committee on culture and information's sub-committee on information (COCI-SCI), bringing together representatives from ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat to strengthen regional cooperation in information and media.

This photo taken on May 30, 2026 shows a city view of Vientiane, the capital of Laos. (Photo: Xinhua)

The meeting, held in Lao capital Vientiane from Monday to Tuesday, reviewed cooperation in the information sector and discussed future initiatives and the direction of ASEAN media cooperation, the Vientiane Mai newspaper reported on Monday.

In his speech, member of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and Deputy Head of the Commission for Information and Education of the Central Committee, Vansy Kuamua, welcomed delegates and highlighted the sub-committee's role in strengthening communication and mutual understanding among ASEAN member states and contributing to a shared ASEAN identity.

The meeting called for stronger regional cooperation in information and media as digital technologies continue to transform the media landscape. It highlighted the role of the sub-committee on information as a platform for ASEAN member states to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen their collective voice, and address emerging challenges, including disinformation and synthetic media.

The meeting also supports implementation of the ASEAN Work Plan for Information and Media 2026-2035, with discussions focusing on regional media cooperation, digital and media literacy, and emerging challenges in the information sector.