Indonesia Officially Hands Over ASEAN Chairmanship Baton to Laos

Jakarta – The Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially closed the 43^rd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia and handed over the chairmanship baton to Laos for ASEAN in 2024. 

The Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone stated that Laos received the honor of becoming chairman of ASEAN in 2024. 

"We will work to reach a more connected and resilient ASEAN," Siphandone said at the closing ceremony of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on Thursday. 

Siphandone received the baton of the ASEAN chairmanship from Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the ceremony. The ASEAN chairmanship of Laos will raise the theme "Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience."

Furthermore, President Jokowi revealed that the ASEAN Summit meeting strengthened hope, and the spirit to continue the struggle, to realize a peaceful region, a stable region, and a prosperous region.

"Let us strengthen the Indo-Pacific region as a theater of peace and inclusiveness, this is the main foundation that will bring ASEAN to a better future for its people and the world," the Head of State remarked. 

"Once again, I thank you for the Indonesian Chairmanship in 2023. It's time to hand over the baton to Laos. Let us continue strengthening collaboration and cooperation for a prosperous ASEAN and make the world a better place for all," President Widodo said.