The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs followed up and carried forward Thailand’s initiatives during the ASEAN Chairmanship of 2019, particularly on sustainable development by focusing on the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) Model, and stressed the need to maintain the momentum of past initiatives, promoted the Connecting the Connectivities Initiative and the early realisation of RCEP, at the virtual ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat.

H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand participated in the first ever virtual ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat on 21 January 2021 hosted by Brunei Darussalam.

With the theme of “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper” for this year’s Chairmanship, Brunei Darussalam attached great importance to the revitalisation of multilateralism to prepare for future challenges and opportunities as well as to strengthen efforts on post COVID-19 recovery under a strategic and holistic approach. Special attention will be on mental health issue, one of the most adverse effect of the pandemic that was often overlooked in view of other pressing issues. The issue of Youth, Peace and Security will also be high on this year’s agenda.

The Meeting followed up on key initiatives from the 37th ASEAN Summit such as the utilisation of COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund for procuring vaccines and essential medical supplies for the people of ASEAN, as well as the development of Post-2025 ASEAN Community Vision.

ASEAN Foreign Ministers also had fruitful discussions on regional and international issues of common concern, especially on upholding ASEAN’s centrality and unity in its engagement with external partners under ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and other ASEAN-led mechanisms, and the issues of South China Sea, Rakhine State, and the Korean Peninsula.

During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs followed up and carried forward Thailand’s initiatives during the ASEAN Chairmanship of 2019, particularly on sustainable development by focusing on the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) Model as a possible model for post COVID-19 economic recovery and development in ASEAN, promoted the Connecting the Connectivities Initiative and the early realisation of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).