VIENTIANE, 26 July 2023 – Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Ekkaphab Phanthavong paid a courtesy call on Lao PDR’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism and ASCC Council Minister Suanesavanh Vignaket to discuss the priorities, deliverables, and technical arrangements for Lao PDR’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.

Minister Vignaket briefed DSG Phanthavong on the ongoing preparations as the incoming ASEAN Chair. “We look forward to cooperation and mutual support between Lao PDR and the ASEAN Secretariat,” she said. DSG Phanthavong commended Lao PDR’s early preparations and relayed that ASEC stands ready to support and assist Lao PDR in its ASEAN Chairmanship.

They further discussed the strategic direction of the ASCC, preparations for the Post-2025 ASCC attendant document, the progress of the secondment of ASCC Officers to the Permanent Missions of ASEAN in Jakarta, and technical arrangements to support the upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship. 

In a separate meeting with Vice President of Lao Women’s Union Thamma Phetvixay, DSG Phanthavong also took the opportunity to discuss the priorities, deliverables, and technical arrangements for the upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship.

They exchanged views on potential priorities and key activities to be led by the Lao Women’s Union in 2024 which includes advancing gender mainstreaming and women’s empowerment in the region, women’s role in sustainable development, and the elimination of child labour and violence against women and children.

Vice-President Phetvixay expressed her appreciation to ASEC for the meeting which demonstrated the strong commitment by ASEAN to protect, fulfill, and promote the rights of women and children and advance gender equality in the region. DSG Phanthavong relayed that the ASEAN Secretariat stands ready to support and assist Lao PDR in its ASEAN Chairmanship.

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