ASEAN To Launch Vision 2045 To Drive Regional Cooperation Over Next Two Decades, Says Sec-Gen

JAKARTA, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- ASEAN is preparing to unveil its Community Vision 2045, a strategic framework aimed at guiding regional cooperation over the next two decades.

This initiative, which includes Strategic Plans and Connectivity projects, is expected to be adopted by ASEAN Leaders next year, according to secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn.

Addressing the Commemoration of the 5th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Chile Development Partnership and the 57th ASEAN Day in Santiago, on Wednesday, he said: “ASEAN is very much forward-looking, visionary and bold and in this regard will have a 20-year Vision and Strategic Plans for implementation for the first time in its history.”

His speech was published at the ASEAN’s website.

Kao also emphasised the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) as essential for maintaining the region’s values of centrality, transparency, openness, and inclusivity amid rising global polarisation.

He pointed out that the AOIP focuses on four key areas, namely connectivity, maritime cooperation, sustainability (SDGs), and economic integration.

“I strongly encourage Chile to explore tangible and concrete projects under these four priority areas for our mutual interests,” he added.

As ASEAN and Chile mark five years of partnership, Kao expressed excitement about future collaboration opportunities, saying, “Let us ensure that our cooperation remains dynamic, robust, and mutually beneficial.”

Chile became a formal partner with ASEAN in 2019, following its accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 2016.

The adoption of the Practical Cooperation Areas in 2021 further outlines their collaborative goals through 2025.

-- BERNAMA