Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Director – General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, led a Thai delegation to the 14th ASEAN – Canada Dialogue in Ottawa, Canada on 7 – 8 May 2017. The annual meeting is a vital platform for discussing various cooperative projects between ASEAN and Canada. This year, both sides exchanged ideas on how to further boost cooperation, touching upon ASEAN connectivity with particular emphasis on pushing forward the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025), promotion of trade and investment, SMEs participation in the global value chains, the IAI Work Plan III to narrow the development gaps, disaster risk reduction, and human rights. 

 

During the meeting, Thailand led the discussion on the architectural framework of the region, emphasising that in this period of political and economic challenges, ASEAN must encourage peace and stability by focusing on ASEAN centrality. It is essential that cooperation be centred around ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) – a forum in which Canada can participate.

 

Senator Peter Harder and H. E. Mr. Ian Shugart, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, recognised the importance of 2017 as the 150th Anniversary of Confederation, the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN, and the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue relations.

 

Canada emphasised its readiness and determination to strengthen the relationship with ASEAN and underscored ASEAN’s importance to Canada. The ASEAN Member States welcomed Canada’s desire for stronger ties in all fields of cooperation. The 15th ASEAN – Canada Dialogue is scheduled to be held in 2018 on the Palawan Island in the Republic of the Philippines.