
Photo: Sudruetai Lertkasem, Director-General, The Government Public Relations Department, Thailand
The Eleventh ASEAN Plus Three (10+3) Media Cooperation Forum was held in Kunming, the capital of Southwest China's Yunnan Province, on the afternoon of September 17. Under the theme "Increase Inter-connectivity for Common Development and Shared Benefits," 13 representatives from mainstream media outlets across different countries delivered speeches or keynote speeches centered on this topic. Multiple media guests also engaged in on-site dialogues and exchanges on topics including "Foster New Growth Drivers and Share New Development Opportunities." Sudruetai Lertkasem, director-general of the Government Public Relations Department of Thailand, delivered a keynote speech at the forum. The following is the full text of the speech:
Excellencies, distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and friends,
Good afternoon!
It is a great honor to be here at the Eleventh ASEAN Plus Three (10+3) Media Cooperation Forum with all media leaders from 10+3 countries. I am also thankful for this invaluable opportunity given by the People's Daily to discuss the future of our media landscape with all of you today.
The theme of our forum, "Increase Inter-connectivity for Common Development and Shared Benefits," perfectly captures the spirit of cooperation that defines our region.
For more than a decade, the 10+3 cooperation mechanism, bringing together ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea, has been a cornerstone of stability and prosperity in East Asia. It has fostered dialogue, strengthened economic ties, and built a foundation of trust among our nations.
The media has been a crucial partner in this journey, serving as a powerful force for connection, helping our citizens understand and appreciate our shared heritage and aspirations.
Our work today is more vital than ever. The world faces complex challenges that transcend national borders. From fluid international dynamics to the rapid evolution of technology, we must navigate these issues together. By strengthening our "Asian Consciousness" and applying oriental wisdom, we can offer a new model for global collaboration.
This wisdom is not just about looking inward; it is about using our shared values of harmony, respect, and long-term vision to build a better future for everyone.
Media connectivity is the lifeblood of this collaboration. It's not just about linking our newsrooms or sharing content. It's about creating a dense web of human connection that promotes mutual understanding and trust. We must use our platforms to tell stories that unite, to highlight our common goals, and to show the world that our cooperation is a force for good.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision of "building a community with a shared future for mankind" reminds us that we are all in this together. Our prosperity is interconnected, our security is shared, and our challenges demand a collective response. As media leaders, we have a responsibility to turn this vision into reality, one story at a time.
I am confident that through our discussions here, we will forge new partnerships, share innovative ideas, and leave with a renewed commitment to our shared mission.
Let us work together to harness the power of media to increase inter-connectivity, drive common development, and ensure shared benefits for all.
Thank you.