Hanoi holds flag-raising ceremony to mark ASEAN anniversary
(VOVWORLD) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a flag-hoisting ceremony in Hanoi on Wednesday to mark the 51st founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh addresses flag-raising ceremony to mark ASEAN's 51st anniversary |
Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said on August 8, 1967, ASEAN leaders laid the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous community of Southeast Asian nations. “It is the ASEAN Community of solidarity, self-reliance, mutual assistance and sharing, of the people and for the people.” Mr. Minh highlighted ASEAN as a community of peace and stability with a dynamic economy, a combined GDP of 2.6 trillion USD, and strong population of over 630 million people, which cares about social responsibilities and the interest of the people.
Mr. Minh said Vietnam considers ASEAN a priority of its external policy and its 23-year ASEAN membership played an important role in Vietnam’s international integration. Vietnam will continue working with the other ASEAN members to realize the ASEAN Community Vision to 2025 in the spirit of solidarity, dynamism, and creativity, and with the extensive involvement and active contribution of people from all social strata.