43rd ASEAN Summit to begin in Jakarta on September 5

Tags: Summits

The 43rd ASEAN Summit is scheduled to be held in Jakarta from September 5 to 7.

An Overview of the News

• This summit is taking place in the context of increased tension in the South China Sea. Some ASEAN member countries have expressed protest over China's recent release of a new map claiming disputed areas.

• Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will lead a delegation to the summit.

• During the summit, ASEAN leaders will also discuss the crisis in Myanmar among other pressing regional issues.

• Singapore's Prime Minister's Office issued a statement emphasizing that ASEAN leaders will focus on strategies to maintain the bloc's relevance and central role in the emerging regional landscape.

• The leaders will also discuss strengthening ASEAN integration and enhancing cooperation in key areas such as the digital and green economy.

About ASEAN

• ASEAN was officially established on August 8, 1967, through the signing of the ASEAN Declaration by the foreign ministers of five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

• Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984.

• Vietnam became a member on 28 July 1995.

• Lao PDR and Myanmar joined on 23 July 1997.

• Cambodia became a member on 30 April 1999.

• ASEAN currently consists of ten member states.