H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, accompanied by H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, will lead a delegation to attend the 12th ASEM Summit (ASEM12) in Brussels, Belgium, during 18-19 October 2018 at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission.

 

The ASEM Summit is held biennially with the objective of being a platform for Asian and European leaders to exchange views on latest political situation and developments, economic stability, as well as global and regional issues. The meeting also serves as a venue for giving direction to policy making, fostering closer relations, promoting increased cooperation, as well as building a better understanding between Asia and Europe. As the host of ASEM12, the European Union has chosen “Europe and Asia: Global partners for global challenges” as the overarching theme. Leaders from 51 partner countries and 2 institutional partners, namely the European Union and ASEAN Secretariat, will be in attendance.

 

For the Prime Minister, taking part in this summit will provide an opportunity to enhance Thailand’s leading role in ASEM. Addressing the plenary session, the Prime Minister will reveal his vision on how to promote cooperation to foster inclusive growth and sustainable connectivity, which in turn will support the attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He will also exchange views with other leaders on global and regional issues through multilateralism during the retreat session.

 

In addition, after the conclusion of ASEM12, the Prime Minister will attend the EU-ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting which will discuss ways to enhance cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union in various fields. Thailand is taking part in capacity of the incoming ASEAN Chair in 2019. The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral talks with several leaders from European and Asian countries.

 

During ASEM12, the host will also organise various side events in which representatives from Thailand and stakeholders from ASEM partner countries will participate such as the 10th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP10) for ASEM parliamentarians; the 3rd ASEF Young Leader Summit (ASEFYLS3) for youth delegates, with 2 Thai youths taking part; and the ASEM Cultural Festival under the theme “Europe meets Asia, Asia meets Europe” which offers opportunities for European artists and their Asian counterparts to exchange and render their artistic performances, as well as to showcase the diversity of cultures of ASEM. A Thai artist will also take part in the said Festival.