Laos holds walk to mark 49th anniversary of ASEAN (Source: VOV)Vientiane (VNA) - A walking event was organised in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, on August 6 to mark the 49th anniversary of the establishment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and 19 years since Laos joined the organisation.
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumsay Kommasith, ASEAN General Secretary Le Luong Minh and representatives of diplomatic delegations and international organisations in Vientiane joined thousands of local residents in the walk.
Addressing the event, the Lao foreign minister underlined the significance of the ASEAN Day to all people in Southeast Asian nations, saying that this year is special as it is the first year of the ASEAN Community.
As the ASEAN Chair in 2016, Laos will do its utmost, together with other bloc’s members, to implement the ASEAN Vision 2025 and other Plans under the theme “Turning vision into reality for a dynamic ASEAN Community”, thus reinforcing the cooperation within the bloc and promoting the ASEAN role and status in the region and in the world, he said.
The walk aims to encourage the Lao people to prepare physical and spiritual health for the success of the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summit slated for September in Vientiane, the minister said. The event also aims to raise the awareness and understanding among Lao people and international friends about the ASEAN Community with three pillars: the Political-Security Community, the Economic Community and the Socio-Cultural Community, he added.-VNA
