On 9 September 2020, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the 10th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting via video conference. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, and also attended by the Foreign Ministers of EAS participating countries and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.

The Meeting stressed the serious impacts of COVID-19 pandemic and the need for all countries to work together towards recovery. The Meeting also emphasised the importance of the EAS as the Leaders-led forum for strategic discussion on both regional and international issues. Participating countries exchanged views on the regional architecture and recent developments in the region where there exist growing uncertainties. The Meeting supported ASEAN centrality and agreed there is an urgent need to promote the environment conducive to promoting regional peace and stability.

Thailand emphasised that the EAS should play a constructive role in strengthening strategic trust and confidence in order to address common challenges and move forward together. On the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of the EAS this year, the Meeting agreed to further strengthen the EAS process and looked forward to successful outcomes of the EAS Summit, to be held in November 2020.