July 24, 2024 – Tokyo, Japan – Global Affairs Canada

Since the elevation of Canada’s Strategic Partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in September 2023, Canada has increased its diplomatic and political engagement across the ASEAN region, demonstrating its value and concrete commitment as an active and reliable partner to ASEAN.

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will be in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos), from July 25 to 27, 2024, to attend the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings.

On July 26, Minister Joly will participate in the ASEAN-Canada Post Ministerial Conference, which Canada will co-chair with Malaysia. The meeting will serve to share progress on the implementation of the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership, which is closely aligned with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. The Minister will also engage with representatives of ASEAN member states on shared priorities that could be leveraged at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit, at which Canada will assume the presidency.

On July 27, Minister Joly will attend the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum, where she will discuss pressing international security issues, including the crisis in Myanmar, tensions in the East and South China seas, North Korea’s illicit weapons programs, as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. She will also explore ways to enhance collaboration to strengthen ASEAN’s central role in addressing global and regional challenges in accordance with international law.

While in Vientiane, Minister Joly will hold bilateral meetings with her counterparts and senior officials to advance bilateral opportunities and mutual objectives.

The Minister’s trip coincides with the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and Laos. Minister Joly will have the opportunity to build on this milestone anniversary and to underscore Canada’s commitment to deepening relations with Laos to create a future that is inclusive, sustainable and prosperous for all.