Media strengthens Asean Community communication channels
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The role of various media outlets in raising public awareness about integration and cooperation in the Southeast Asian region was discussed at a workshop held in Vientiane yesterday.
The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alounkeo Kittikhoun and Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr Savankhone Razmountry.
At the discussion, Alounkeo gave guidelines for the media to refer to in their publications such as the opportunities and challenges the country will face, and the principles Asean member states must respect in regional economic integration, along with the political-security and social-cultural cooperation process.
He mentioned the media's past achievements regarding the integration and cooperation process while stressing the need for more accurate and timelier communication.
Alounkeo, who is also Head of Asean Senior Officials for Laos, updated the media on the country's progress in preparation for hosting the Asean chairmanship next year, especially the process of drafting of a post-2015 Asean Vision for Laos.
At the meeting, Savankhone gave guidelines to the media concerning the building of the Asean Social Cultural Community.
Savankhone, who is Lao Senior Official Leader for the Asean Socio-Cultural Community, advised the media to promote the Asean community pillars through building understanding of the nations in the region, which he said would promote peace, stability, security, and cooperation.
He emphasised the promotion of the similarities in cultures and lifestyles of Asean nations to support harmony and mutual respect among the nations.
The country's progress in preparation to join the Asean Community at the end of this year and coordination between media and government officials regarding Asean issues were also topics of discussion.
