On 2 November 2019, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand chaired the 20^th ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting during the 35^th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. The APSC Council meeting discussed the progress made in this pillar under the theme “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability,” particularly on sustainable security.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN briefed the Meeting on work undertaken by the APSC Sectoral Bodies and progress on the implementation of the APSC Blueprint 2025, as a Mid-Term Review of the Blueprint is set for next year. At present, 94 per cent of all the action lines of the Blueprint have been implemented. The Secretary-General also updated the Meeting on key deliberations of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus, maritime cooperation, the ASEAN Centre for Military Medicine, efforts to counter terrorism, violent extremism and address transnational crimes, as well as cooperation to combat illegal drug trafficking, human trafficking, cyber security, nuclear disarmament, and the role of women in peace and security.

Moreover, the Meeting exchanged views on regional developments and international issues, such as the situation in Rakhine State and the South China Sea, and the 75^th Anniversary of the United Nations.