ASEAN Summits Conclude with Key Agreements, Leadership Transition to Malaysia
Regional cooperation strengthened as leaders address global challenges and plan for ASEAN’s future.
The 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, held from October 6 to 11 in Vientiane, ended with more than 90 outcome documents focused on enhancing regional security, economic cooperation, and sustainable development. Key agreements included the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Strengthening Supply Chain Connectivity, the ASEAN Declaration on Promoting Sustainable Agriculture, and the Declaration on Strengthening Regional Biosafety and Biosecurity.
The summits also bolstered ties with external partners such as China, South Korea, India, and Canada. These partnerships emphasized digital transformation, strategic collaborations, and upgrades to existing trade agreements like the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0. Leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the Myanmar crisis and acknowledged progress in Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership journey.
At the closing ceremony, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone officially handed over the ASEAN Chairmanship to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Malaysia will lead ASEAN in 2025 under the theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ marking the conclusion of Laos' leadership on December 31.
---
The summits also bolstered ties with external partners such as China, South Korea, India, and Canada. These partnerships emphasized digital transformation, strategic collaborations, and upgrades to existing trade agreements like the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0. Leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the Myanmar crisis and acknowledged progress in Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership journey.
At the closing ceremony, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone officially handed over the ASEAN Chairmanship to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Malaysia will lead ASEAN in 2025 under the theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ marking the conclusion of Laos' leadership on December 31.
---
