ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and the leader of Timor Leste as an ASEAN observer, also attended the function.

After the opening ceremony, the leaders participated in the 44th ASEAN Summit (plenary session) and the 45th ASEAN Summit (retreat session).

In the afternoon, they will attend interface sessions with representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), and ASEAN youth.

Laos, as the ASEAN Chair 2024, is hosting the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits themed ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.

It is also hosting the Plus One Summits between ASEAN and seven Dialogue Partners, namely, Australia, China, Japan, India, Republic of Korea, United States and Canada, respectively, as well as the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, East Asia Summit and ASEAN-United Nations Summit.

In addition, the Asia Zero Emission Community Leaders Meeting will be held on this occasion.

The summits and related meetings are expected to focus on measures to promote connectivity and regional self-reliance in line with this year’s theme ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience. They aim to strengthen the process of building the ASEAN Community towards greater integration and prepare for a higher development future for the grouping, as well as deepening relations with partners.

The leaders will also touch upon regional and international issue of concern.