VIENTIANE: The completion of urgent tasks by the 14 sub-committees in preparation for upcoming meetings during Laos’ chairmanship of Asean this year is going to plan, government leaders were informed on Thursday (March 14).
An update on preparations for these meetings was provided during a meeting of the National Steering Committee designated to oversee events taking place during Laos’ chairmanship of the regional bloc.
The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office, chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (pic), and was attended by the heads and deputy heads of the 14 sub-committees under the National Steering Committee, as well as staff from various ministries and other entities.
Participants reviewed completed and ongoing urgent tasks, which include the provision of vehicles, arrangements regarding accommodation and meeting venues, renovation of the VIP reception facilities at Wattay International Airport, budget, decoration work, and advertising.
The meeting also heard a report on the hosting and chairing of Asean meetings that took place over the past two and a half months since Laos assumed the role of Asean chair on Jan 1, including the Asean Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings that were held from Jan 22-27.
The report also reviewed the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat which took place in January, the Asean Defence Ministers’ Retreat in March, and the Asean Economic Ministers Meeting in March.
The Prime Minister instructed the sub-committees to continue with their work responsibly and diligently, and urged the ministries that will chair other Asean meetings this year to continue with the preparation of the agendas.
He also advised the ministries concerned to be ready to host visiting delegations and otherwise ensure that all meetings are successful.
In particular, the Prime Minister stressed the need to prepare for the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings in July, which foreign ministers from all Asean member states and partners from over 40 countries will attend. - Vientiane Times/ANN
