CEBU, Philippines – Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called on ASEAN member states to strengthen cooperation and unity to navigate global shifts, specifically highlighting energy and food security during the 48th ASEAN Summit on Friday.
The summit, hosted by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Cebu, marked a milestone with the inclusion of Timor-Leste as the 11th member state.
In his plenary statement, Anutin reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to ASEAN as a pillar of regional peace and stability. Addressing the summit’s theme, “Moving Forward Together,” he noted that recent Middle East tensions have disrupted energy prices and maritime trade routes, serving as a signal for the bloc to accelerate practical cooperation.
Anutin said that while ASEAN has weathered many crises, the bloc must remain unified, adaptable, and forward-looking to face current challenges.
The Prime Minister emphasized that protecting citizens is the top priority. He cited Thailand’s recent evacuation of thousands of nationals from the Middle East as a key focus, while praising Singapore for its role in assisting other ASEAN citizens during the crisis as a testament to regional solidarity.
On the sidelines of the summit, Anutin, who also serves as Interior Minister, is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore to further discuss regional cooperation. (TNA)
