VIENTIANE: The 44th and 45th Asean Summits and Related Summits officially commenced today at the National Convention Centre here, gathering over 2,000 delegates.
The opening began with the arrival of Asean leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was greeted by Laos Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone.
Among Asean nation leaders present include Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah; Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong; Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh dan Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Indonesia was represented by Vice President Professor Dr K. H. Ma'ruf Amin.
After the opening ceremony, Anwar is scheduled to deliver the national statement at the plenary session of Asean heads of state.
He is then expected to attend several related summits, including the Asean Leaders' Interface Session with the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) representatives, the Asean Leaders' Interface Session with the Asean Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) representatives, and the Asean Leaders' Interface Session with Asean Youth representatives.
The Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with the Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, and Wong.
Tonight, he will attend a dinner hosted by the Malaysian Ambassador to Laos, Edi Irwan Mahmud, at the Malaysian House here.