Prime Minister Prayut highlighted the need to enhance ASEAN-Japan cooperation in addressing and responding to common challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geo-political uncertainties, the 4th Industrial Revolution and digital transformation. The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation for Japan’s contribution to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund as well as the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED).

Prime Minister Prayut proposed ASEAN-U.S. cooperation on equitable and timely distribution of COVID-19 vaccines; green growth and cooperation on the BCG Economy Model; and digital development. The Prime Minister also stressed cooperation between major powers for post-COVID-19 recovery at the 9th ASEAN-U.S. Summit.

Prime Minister of Thailand congratulated the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Relations and emphasised enhancing cooperation in all dimensions especially on public health, R&D of vaccines and medicines, economic security by using technology and digital economy for a resilient and sustainable recovery at the 24th ASEAN-China Summit.

The Prime Minister of Thailand supported advancing of ASEAN-ROK cooperation through connecting ASEAN initiatives with the New Southern Policy and New Southern Policy Plus, as well as promoting sustainable economic recovery through development of digital economy as well as sharing experiences and best practices between ASEAN and the ROK in the areas of science, technology, innovation and human capital development.

The Prime Minister emphasised the need for ASEAN’s commitment to advancing the ASEAN Community while strengthening its cooperation and with external partners, in response to COVID-19 as well as highlighted the need to ensure ASEAN centrality and unity in order to maintain regional strategic equilibrium at the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summit.