Singapore (VNA) 🐬– Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stressed that the test of ASEAN’s unity lies in how the bloc deals with internal challenges, as well as key regional issues.

In his speech at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Laos on October 9, Wong said the group faces an increasingly “troubled and turbulent” external environment. He called on ASEAN leaders to remain united in purpose despite its diverse grouping and member states’ own positions on regional and global issues. Regarding the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, Wong said ASEAN must hold the line on the five-point consensus, which calls for dialogue between all sides and an immediate end to violence. Regarding international and regional issues, Wong noted that the fundamental interests of ASEAN, including freedom of navigation and overflight; as well as the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, are under threat. In the light of the current geopolitical context, the task ahead is to ensure that ASEAN remains relevant and effective, he said, adding that for that, the group will need to maintain unity of purpose. He also stressed the need to accelerate economic integration in ASEAN by moving quickly in new areas such as the digital and green economies. He touched on the need to unlock the potential of the region’s digital market, especially through the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which is hoped to unlock a potential 2 trillion USD in the region’s digital economy, with negotiations expected to conclude by 2025. The Singaporean PM called for ASEAN to uphold respect for international law and the resolution of disputes, both within the bloc and in dealings with external partners; and continue to actively engage its partners while also exercising its agency and convening power to bring all the key players together, with ASEAN at the centre. PM Wong also had separate meetings with his Thai, Vietnammese and Malaysian counterparts on the sidelines of the summits./.