Thai PM cites importance of Asean, external partner tie-ups

In his speech during the 35th Asean Summit Plenary here, the Prime Minister said he was able to explain Asean’s goals and directions to G20 leaders during the 14th G20 Summit held last June 28-29 in Osaka, Japan. (File Photo: ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา Prayut Chan-o-cha/Facebook)

NONTHABURI, Thailand — Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Saturday said fostering greater relations with other economic blocs and groups will ensure the achievement and sustainability of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (Asean) goals.

In his speech during the 35th Asean Summit Plenary here, the Prime Minister said he was able to explain Asean’s goals and directions to G20 leaders during the 14th G20 Summit held last June 28-29 in Osaka, Japan.

“I had the opportunity to convey its key outcomes in discussions with G20 leaders in Osaka, where I proposed four areas of collaboration in which Asean and the G20 could engage for concrete results,” he said.

These four areas are smart cities development, financial inclusion, human capital development and environmental protection, including combating marine debris.

Prayut said he was able to discuss issues related to the promotion of sustainability in various dimensions during the United Nations (UN) general assembly in New York last September.

Discussions on Asean’s goals were also made during the Climate Action Summit and Sustainable Development Goals Summit in New York.

These efforts, he said, “demonstrated Asean’s commitment to working with the international community in ensuring sustainability and addressing the pressing challenges affecting humanity.”

“All of these undertakings essentially support the building of an Asean community that is people-centered, leaves no one behind, and looks to the future,” he said.

“And in realizing these goals, we have given importance to fostering partnerships with external partners and various sectors, because Asean cannot do it alone,” he noted.

“And I believe that partnerships and friendships with external partners are instrumental in helping the community take forward, the priorities and deliver concrete outcomes in a sustainable manner,” he added.