ASEAN flag-raising ceremony marks bloc’s 57th anniversary

The ASEAN flag-raising ceremony has become an official practice of the ten member states namely Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Viet Nam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

Addressing the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet highlighted the increasingly strong role and position of ASEAN, emphasizing that over the past 57 years, ASEAN has indeed recorded significant achievements, and maintained peace and stability in a region that was once plagued by wars and conflicts.

“We have built a highly integrated economic region, with sustainable and inclusive growth, agile and responsive to emerging trends. We have cultivated a people-centered society, with an ASEAN Community spirit,” he said.

Amidst global volatilities, unpredictability, conflicts, and division, ASEAN stands as a model of regional integration and cooperation. The bloc's sustained efforts to enhance connectivity and resilience are key to ASEAN’s further advancement.

Today's ASEAN is guided by a strategic vision, grounded in unity, leveraging its central role, and driven by concrete actions.

It possesses the necessary conditions to adapt to the changing landscape and continue thriving in the coming decades.

Since joining ASEAN 29 years ago, Viet Nam has seen ASEAN as a top priority and a strategic choice in its foreign policy.

Viet Nam remains strongly committed to working with ASEAN member states and our partners to foster a united and strong ASEAN, and make Southeast Asia a region of peace, security and prosperity.

The official said that Viet Nam will continue to work closely with ASEAN member countries and partners to support Laos in successfully accomplishing the goals and priorities of its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024 under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”.

In particular, Viet Nam will host the second edition of the ASEAN Future Forum, tentatively in April 2025, as a contribution to the work of the Association.

Viet Nam will also do its utmost to strengthen the bridge connecting ASEAN and its Partners, notably as the Country Coordinator of ASEAN - New Zealand and ASEAN - UK Relations for 2024-2027./.