Hanoi flag-hoisting ceremony marks ASEAN’s 57th anniversary

A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi on August 8 to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (August 8, 1967-2024).

The ceremony saw the attendance of the ambassadors of ASEAN member states and the bloc’s partner countries, and representatives of some Vietnamese ministries, agencies and the municipal People’s Committee.

Chairing the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet affirmed the grouping’s growing role and position, saying in the context of global uncertainties with conflict and fragility, it remains a model of regional connectivity and cooperation.

He highlighted ASEAN’s major achievements over the past 57 years such as the peaceful, stable political environment, consolidated cooperation, tightened regional economic connectivity, sustainable, inclusive and adaptive growth, and the harmonious and sharing society where people are put at the centre, and the promotion of the spirit of the ASEAN Community.

With direction as the strategic vision, solidarity as the fulcrum, centrality as the foundation, and specific programmes as the tools, ASEAN will be able to harmoniously adapt to possible volatilities, and grow further in the next decade, the official highlighted.

Viet also emphasised Vietnam’s efforts and contributions to a united and strong ASEAN as the country has considered ASEAN cooperation and connectivity a top priority and a strategic choice.

Vietnam will continue working together with other member countries to maintain and carry forward such achievements, and help Laos perform its ASEAN Chairmanship this year, he said, informing that Vietnam will continue to host the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 following the 2024 edition in Hanoi in April.

The country will also work harder to bring together ASEAN and partners, especially in its capacity as the coordinator of the relations between the bloc and New Zealand and the UK for 2024-2027, for peace and prosperity in the region and the world, and for a resilient, dynamic, creative, and people-centred ASEAN.

ASEAN groups 10 member nations, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam./.