Secretary-General of ASEAN welcomed the Attachment Officers (AOs) from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Viet Nam, and Timor-Leste at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat

Secretary-General of ASEAN welcomed the Attachment Officers (AOs) from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Viet Nam, and Timor-Leste at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat
12 March 2025 -

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today welcomed the Attachment Officers (AOs) from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Viet Nam, and Timor-Leste at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. The Attachment Programme is an ASEAN flagship programme supported by Japan since 2002 under the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI).

SG Dr. Kao reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to enhancing capacity building for CLMV and Timor-Leste and fostering regional integration through hands-on experience, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. He strongly encouraged the AOs to actively engage with various ASEAN stakeholders, build networks, and contribute meaningfully during their one-year attachment period.

During their time at the ASEAN Secretariat, the AOs will have opportunities to participate in ASEAN meetings, undertake study visits to Japan, and participate in training on diplomatic engagement and project development. SG Dr. Kao expressed confidence that their participation will enhance both their professional growth and strengthen ASEAN’s collective efforts in regional integration.

The Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) has supported 120 officers through this initiative for over two decades, strengthening regional cooperation and capacity-building across ASEAN.