Laos has suggested more collaboration on joint virtual activities in the field of culture and the arts, both among Asean countries and between the bloc and its dialogue partners, amid and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

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Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, voiced Laos’ viewpoint when addressing the 9th meeting of Asean Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) held by video link yesterday.

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The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Culture and Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Ms Phoeurng Sackona, and attended by the Secretary General of Asean, Dato Lim Jock Hoi. Prof. Dr Kikeo’s message to the meeting was part of suggestions on the way forward in deepening cooperation in the arts and culture field.

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“Asean countries should come together to enhance the free, open, transparent and timely sharing of information and best practices in line with the circumstances of the new normal, and help to build new lives in a timely manner,” he said.

The minister also offered support for Asean in continuing to closely cooperate with the Taskforce Committee to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in carrying out all measures to prevent Covid-19 outbreaks and reduce risks by identifying new cases.

He told his Asean colleagues about the ongoing coordination with people at all levels across Laos to raise awareness and understanding of the precautions and orders that must be followed during celebrations and traditional activities.

Every community should cooperate with the orders and measures imposed by the government, and this should be firmly communicated, the minister said.
Prof. Dr Kikeo also spoke about the campaign to encourage domestic tourism as a means to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on people’s livelihoods and the national economy.

Representing the government, Prof. Dr Kikeo said Laos strongly supported the statements by the chair and other Asean culture ministers on the theme of the meeting: “Impact of Covid-19 and Way Forward for the Culture and Arts Sector”.

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Laos also supported in principle the Asean document “Narrative of Asean Identity”, which he said would further promote mutual respect, understanding, friendship and cooperation towards greater social harmony, sustainable development and prosperity in the region.

Following the AMCA meeting, Asean ministers met with their colleagues from China, Republic of Korea and Japan for the AMCA+3 meeting, meetings between Asean ministers and ministers from each of the three East Asia countries separately, to discuss cooperation in culture and the arts.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 23, 2020)

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