Mr. Wong expressed concerns about the lack of political progress in Myanmar and the worsening fighting in the country. Despite the domestic nature of the conflict, he emphasized the importance of ASEAN’s role in pursuing efforts towards a peaceful resolution while being realistic about the limitations of its influence. He urged ASEAN to maintain its positions towards Myanmar, especially regarding its non-political representation at summits and foreign ministers’ meetings.
Moving forward, Mr. Wong highlighted the need for ASEAN to effectively integrate Timor-Leste and fully support its efforts to fulfill the agreed roadmap for accession to the bloc. He acknowledged the importance of ASEAN in maintaining peace, stability, and growth in the region, emphasizing its role as a cornerstone of Singapore’s foreign policy. Mr. Wong stressed the importance of keeping the region open and inclusive and engaging all external parties in order to ensure continued peace and stability.
The opening ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits took place at the National Convention Centre in Laos, with speeches from Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and President Thongloun Sisoulith. Attendees were treated to dance performances, and Southeast Asian leaders took the traditional group photo on stage. Mr. Wong, who became prime minister in May, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome to his first ASEAN summit and highlighted the critical role of ASEAN in the region while calling on partners to commit to inclusivity, respect for international law, and peaceful dispute resolution.
Mr. Wong emphasized the need for ASEAN to maintain its stance towards Myanmar and not revert to business as usual in light of the lack of political progress and escalating fighting in the country. He called for patience and steadfast efforts towards achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Additionally, he stressed the importance of integrating Timor-Leste into ASEAN and supporting its accession process as outlined in the agreed roadmap. Mr. Wong reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to ASEAN as a cornerstone of its foreign policy, highlighting the bloc’s role in promoting peace, stability, and growth in the region.
The ceremony included speeches from Laos leaders and cultural performances, showcasing the rich diversity of Southeast Asian traditions. Mr. Wong’s presence at the summit underscored his commitment to ASEAN and his recognition of the organization’s importance in regional affairs. He called for continued engagement with external parties and adherence to principles of inclusivity, respect for international law, and peaceful conflict resolution to maintain peace and stability in the region. Overall, Mr. Wong’s remarks highlighted the challenges facing ASEAN in addressing conflicts within its member states while promoting unity and collaboration among its members.
