VIENTIANE, Laos is in full swing, preparing to host the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, which will be held from Oct 8 to 11 in the country's capital. Flags of the participating countries are displayed at famous landmarks around Vientiane, adding vibrant colours to the city's streets symbolising the unity and cooperation of ASEAN nations during the summit. At the National Convention Centre (NCC), the summit venue, final preparations are underway ahead of the arrival of leaders and delegates from the 10 ASEAN member states and their key dialogue partners who will be attending the event. The summits are expected to address various political, economic and security issues while promoting regional collaboration and development. Among the key issues expected to dominate discussions are regional security and stability, particularly tensions in the South China Sea and the crisis in Myanmar, cross-border economic challenges, and climate change. The escalating tensions in the Middle East, marked b y Israel's invasion of Lebanon, Iran's missile strikes on its regional adversary and the ongoing war in Gaza, are also expected to be key topics of discussion at the summits. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) will kick off the summits on Oct 8, while the Opening Ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits will take place on Oct 9. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to deliver Malaysia's statement during the summits. On Oct 11, Laos will officially hand over the chairmanship of ASEAN to Malaysia. Apart from 2024, Laos previously chaired ASEAN in 2016 and 2004. Source: BERNAMA News Agency