Tokyo – Since the elevation of Canada’s Strategic Partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in September 2023, Canada has increased its diplomatic and political engagement across the Asean region, demonstrating its value and concrete commitment as an active and reliable partner to Asean.
Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) to attend the 57th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings.
On July 26, Minister Joly participated in the Asean-Canada Post Ministerial Conference, which Canada co-chaired with Malaysia. The meeting served to share progress on the implementation of the Asean-Canada Strategic Partnership, which is closely aligned with the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. The Minister also engaged with representatives of Asean member states on shared priorities that could be leveraged at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit, at which Canada will assume the presidency.
Later Minister Joly attended the 31st Asean Regional Forum, where she discussed pressing international security issues, including the crisis in Myanmar, tensions in the East and South China seas, North Korea’s illicit weapons programs, as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. She will also explore ways to enhance collaboration to strengthen Asean’s central role in addressing global and regional challenges in accordance with international law.
While in Vientiane, Minister Joly held bilateral meetings with her counterparts and senior officials to advance bilateral opportunities and mutual objectives. The Minister’s trip coincides with the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and Laos. Minister Joly will have the opportunity to build on this milestone anniversary and to underscore Canada’s commitment to deepening relations with Laos to create a future that is inclusive, sustainable and prosperous for all.
“Canada’s approach to Asean and the Indo-Pacific is one of partnership and mutual respect. I look forward to engaging with Asean and to deepening our collaboration to achieve our mutual interests in security, economic prosperity and sustainable development.” – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs