JAKARTA: The Asean community is gearing up for a pivotal year this year, marking a crucial milestone towards the culmination of the Asean Community Vision 2025, said its secretary general Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
He stated in a video message that the region is embarking on the formulation of the Asean Community Vision 2045, a visionary document set to shape the strategic landscape for the next two decades.
"I pledge to work closely with all member states, dialogue partners and other external partners to realise the Asean Community that is adaptive, agile, proactive, and responsive to harness opportunities," he stressed.
Kao noted the Asean Secretariat is set to support Laos, currently assuming the role of Asean Chair in 2024, in ensuring a seamless transition for the leadership role.
He reiterated the commitment to strengthen integration and advance the Asean Community Building initiative in collaboration with member states.
Yesterday (January 9), marking his one-year anniversary as the 15th Secretary General, Kao looked back on the past year.
He highlighted the six key priorities introduced when he took office, namely peace, prosperity, planet, people, partnership, and potential.
As Kao entered his second year in office, he expressed continued dedication to these priorities and addressing the concerns of member states and partners for the benefit of Asean citizens.
Acknowledging significant achievements, he appreciated Indonesia, the Asean Chair for 2023, for their unwavering support in serving the interests of Asean Community's pillars – political-security, economic, and social-cultural.
He also recognised the invaluable support from dialogue partners and external collaborators throughout last year, emphasising the enhancement of partnerships and cooperation between Asean and external counterparts. — BERNAMA