On 2 November 2019, H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.), Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, chaired the 35^th ASEAN Summit (Plenary), which was attended by ASEAN Leaders and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.

          In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand shared Thailand’s views on the promotion of sustainability in all dimensions. On sustainable security, it is crucial to reinforce strategic trust and ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture, while cooperating with external partners based on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Multilateral mechanisms and efforts to connect the connectivities are key to achieving sustainable economic growth. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is in this regard, instrumental. To strengthen efforts in attaining sustainable development by addressing long term solutions to common social issues, ASEAN launched three ASEAN Centres during the 35^th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. These are the ASEAN Centre for Social Work and Social Welfare, ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation, and ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue, all located in Bangkok.

          The Secretary-General of ASEAN emphasized the necessity for ASEAN to enhance partnership with Dialogue Partners and beyond to respond to emerging global uncertainties. ASEAN is also preparing the economy for the future, and embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). On the socio-cultural front, ASEAN is committed to enhancing complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, and strengthening its capacity in responding to natural disasters.

          The Leaders discussed cooperation under the three pillars of the ASEAN Community. Under the political-security pillar, the Meeting discussed implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific with external partners, the strengthening of ASEAN-led mechanisms, and current situations in the region. With regards to the economic pillar, the Meeting also discussed economic integration, the RCEP, digital economy and increased connectivity.     On the Socio-Cultural Community, the Meeting supported cooperation on human resource development, climate change and regional efforts to resolve the haze pollution.

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