On 22 October 2009, three ASEAN Council Meetings are scheduled to be held to prepare for the upcoming 15th ASEAN Summit, which will commence on 23 October 2009. These are :
1. The Second ASEAN Economic Community Council (AEC): The AEC is expected to discuss the current regional economic situation as well as means to promote economic cooperation between ASEAN members and its dialogue partners including FTAs between ASEAN and its dialogue partners.
The ASEAN Economic Community is one of ASEAN’s three main pillars. The AEC Council is tasked to promote ASEAN economic integration by facilitating and promoting the free flow of goods within ASEAN as well as enhancing ASEAN economic competitiveness, which will enable ASEAN to become more competitive, thereby contributing to the improvement of the welfare of ASEAN citizens. The First ASEAN Economic Community Council was held on 27 February 2009 following the entry into force of the ASEAN Charter on 15 December 2008.
2. The Second ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC): The ASCC is expected to discuss issues related to the socio-cultural dimension, including the promotion and protection of the rights of women and children, and consider draft documents to be submitted to the ASEAN Leaders on education and climate change.
The ASCC aims to encourage ASEAN people to be united under the principle of a “Caring and Sharing Community” with good social welfare and security.
3. The ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC): The ACC, which comprises ASEAN Foreign Ministers, will discuss issues pertaining to the preparation of the ASEAN Summit and other related issues, including an indicative list of topics that may be raised by ASEAN Leaders and draft outcome documents of the meetings.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th