The annual ASEAN flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of the founding of ASEAN on August 8 is a proud practice of all ASEAN member countries. (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – An Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) flag-hoisting ceremony was held in Hanoi on August 8 to mark the bloc’s56th founding anniversary (August 8, 1967 - 2023) and 28 years of Vietnam’smembership of the association.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son chaired the ceremony.Ambassadors, representatives of the embassies of ASEAN countries, its partnercountries in Hanoi, representatives of the ministries, and Hanoi People'sCommittee attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Son emphasised that since its establishment, ASEAN has constantlygrown, gradually becoming a central force in all regional processes,demonstrating the vision of a community living in peace, stability, andprosperous development. The image of Southeast Asia of solidarity, harmony, andflexibility has been spreading in the region and around the world.
As a result, ASEAN's relations with the rest of the world have become opener,richer, and more durable. ASEAN's relations with partners have not onlyincreased in quantity but also changed in quality, helping ASEAN maintainhigh growth – reaching 5.5% in 2022, becoming the fifth largest economy in theworld.
That is proof of the identity, values, vitality, and reputation ofASEAN, Son said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son speaks at the ceremony.According to the minister, the image of ASEAN can be found inthe success of Vietnam during its innovation and integration and vice versa.
In addition, the relationship between Vietnam and other ASEANmembers is also the "bricks" to build up a strong and sustainableASEAN Community today.
Son affirmed that, with the advantages of geo-strategiclocation, young and abundant human resources, and the desire to integrate moredeeply and comprehensively, ASEAN still has a great potential for development.
Participants to the ceremony pose for a group photo. (Photo: VNA)He said that the world is facing challenges, the recovery of theglobal economy is still uncertain, the geopolitical environment continues to change, and the competition among major powers continues remains fierce, but the ASEAN Community has demonstrated its resilience, flexibility,and proactive adaptation to overcome challenges.
Son said he believes with a solid foundation that has beencultivated for half a century and its aspirations, ASEAN will become aninclusive, a sustainable development community, and a focal point for the growthof the region and the world over./.
