(VOVworld)- A ceremony marking the 48^th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was held in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday.

In his address, ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh said that after 48 years, the ASEAN Community will be a place where people are connected through friendship, cooperation, freedom and prosperity. By establishing the ASEAN Community by the end of this year, member countries will enjoy more opportunities and interests. In his congratulatory remarks, Indonesian Vice President Jusur Kalla affirmed that ASEAN is a growing organization which has attained remarkable achievements over the past half a century. The Vice President highlighted ASEAN’s strategic role in the regional structure. The organization has been internationally acknowledged and many countries have become its dialogue partners. Marking the occasion, the ASEAN Secretariat issued a stamp collection, and a common seal for all ASEAN members.