Thai PM attends 31st ASEAN Summit in Manila

BANGKOK, Nov 12 (TNA) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha will ask ASEAN member countries to further help developing efficiency of people-centered ASEAN Community during the 31st ASEAN summit in Manila, said deputy government spokesman Lieutenant General Werachon Sukondhapatipak. The Thai government leader is scheduled to attend the 31st ASEAN Summit and other related meetings in Manila, the Philippines between Nov 13-14. According to Lt. Gen. Werachon, the prime minister will push forward key issues which cover ASEAN capacity enhancement to cope with internal and external challenges and to ensure economic dynamism and sustainable development. Other major issues to be proposed by Gen. Prayut are maintenance of ASEAN Centrality in the regional architecture, and promotion of regionalism and multilateralism for closer cooperation between the 10-member of ASEAN during the post-ASEAN Community vision 2025, said Lt. Gen. Werachon. “This is in order to promote people-centred ASEAN and human security without leaving anyone behind,” he said. Two documents are expected to be signed by ASEAN members during the Summit. They are ASEAN Innovation Declaration, and ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers. Main objectives of dialogues between ASEAN with dialogue partners are to assess current global situation, set cooperation direction for mutual benefits and to mobilise various cooperation framework with ASEAN at the core. Other major issues are tackling global challenges, and to seek measures in addressing security, economic and social issues in Asia-Pacific region and global community. Dialogue partners holding meetings with ASEAN leaders are China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., Russia, the United Nations as well as ASEAN Chair’s special guests – prime minister of Canada and president of the European Council. (TNA)