Regional Cooperation: 32nd ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council Meeting

The Myanmar delegation, headed by Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Daw Nu Mra Zan, returned to Myanmar on 27th September, following their participation in the 32nd ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting.

The meeting was hosted by the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Vientiane from September 25th to 27th. The meeting agenda included discussions on 2024 priority initiatives, progress in the strategic planning process for the 2025 ASCC pillar, preparation of minutes for 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, as well as the review and approval of the 31st ASCC Council Meeting's minutes.

At the meeting, the Deputy Minister emphasized that promoting ASEAN culture and arts is vital key to regional pride, unity and inclusive development, bridging societal gaps and advancing sustainability.

The Deputy Minister expressed appreciation for the significant efforts and progress of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Strategic Planning of the 2025 ASCC. Myanmar also welcomed the ASEAN Secretariat's initiatives in conducting the end-of-term review of the ASCC Blueprint 2025.

Emphasizing the value of learning from past successes, the Deputy Minister highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive review of the Blueprint's implementation. Myanmar reaffirmed its full commitment to working closely with ASEAN member states during Laos's 2024 chairmanship to advance the collective aspirations in line with the strategic vision of the ASCC.

The Myanmar delegation also attended the inauguration of the ASEAN Database for Monitoring and Evaluation (ADME) System, in conjunction with the 32nd ASCC Council Meeting.

Later that evening, they joined an honorary dinner hosted by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Laos while enjoying traditional Lao traditional cultural performances.

Upon their arrival in Vientiane, the Myanmar delegation visited the Vientiane Museum of Contemporary Arts, That Luang Stupa and Ho PraKeo Temple along with representatives from other ASEAN member countries.