MFA Press Statement: Visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to Vientiane, Laos, for the 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings, 23 to 26 July 2016, and Introductory Visit, 27 July 2016

                Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan will attend the 49^th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), Post-Ministerial Conferences (PMC), 23^nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), 17^th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) and 6^th East Asia Summit (EAS) FMM in Vientiane, Laos, from 23 to 26 July 2016.  At the 49^th AMM, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers (FMs) will discuss the progress of the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.  They will also discuss the evolving regional architecture, ASEAN’s external relations and exchange views on regional and international issues. 

                At the PMCs, the ASEAN FMs will meet their counterparts from ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners (namely Australia, Canada, China, European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States) to review the state of relations and discuss ways to enhance cooperation.  The ASEAN FMs will also meet their counterparts during the APT FMM, EAS FMM and ARF to discuss ways to deepen cooperation and to exchange views on regional and international issues.

                Following the 49^th AMM and Related Meetings, Minister Balakrishnan will make his introductory visit to Laos on 27 July 2016 at the invitation of Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith.   He will call on Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and meet Foreign Minister Saleumxay. The latter will also host an Official Dinner for Minister Balakrishnan.

                Minister Balakrishnan will be accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

.    .    .    .    .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

22 JULY 2016