JAKARTA, 11 August 2023 – Alongside the ten ASEAN Member States, 15 ASEAN Partners attended the 13th Consultation Meeting of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force-ASEAN Partners held this morning at the ASEAN Secretariat.

Ambassador Bovonethat Douangchak, Permanent Representative of Lao PDR to ASEAN and Chair of the IAI Task Force for 2023, expressed his gratitude to the partners for their continuous support to IAI to narrow the development gap in the region and accelerate efforts toward ASEAN regional integration and community building.

The ASEAN Partners reaffirmed their commitment to continue strengthening cooperation with ASEAN through the IAI as the approach and objective of IAI are in line with the partners’ interests and goals.

Joining as an observer for the first time, Timor-Leste appreciated the Partner’s assistance in supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN. 

The Consultation Meeting of the IAI Task Force-ASEAN Partners is held once a year and back-to-back with the third IAI Task Force Meeting of the year.

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