(VOVworld) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has held a ceremony to mark the 45^th anniversary of ASEAN and the ASEAN Cultural Exchange in Hanoi.

Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said that ASEAN’s growth is very significant as it will ensure peace, stability and development in Southeast Asia and will encourage dialogue and cooperation in East Asia and the Asian Pacific region. Mr. Minh added that ASEAN is well on its way to becoming a community by 2015. Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh: "With the slogan “ be active, dynamic and responsible for cooperation in the bloc, Vietnam has made great contribution to ASEAN over the past 17 years, especially when ASEAN chair in 2010. Vietnam has always considered cooperation within the ASEAN important to its diplomatic policy of independence, diversification and active integration in the world and the region".

An ASEAN cultural exchange was held following the ceremony. The program included culinary delight from ASEAN member countries and its partners such as Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Japan and China. The exchange was to promote relations and unity between Vietnam and other ASEAN member countries.