(VOVWORLD) - A flag-raising ceremony was held in Hanoi on Friday to mark the 53rd anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the 25th anniversary of Vietnam joining the bloc.
 The ASEAN flag hoisting ceremony is held in Hanoi on August 7, 2020 (Photo: VNA) |
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh chaired the event attended by related ministries and agencies, Ambassadors, and representatives of ASEAN countries as well as their partners in Hanoi.
At 8 a.m. Hanoi time, the ASEAN flag was raised in front of distinguished guests and delegates. Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Minh stressed that ASEAN has made a giant leap forward in the last half of the century. ASEAN with its 10 member countries has helped the Southeast region achieve more dynamic growth. New developments in regional and global geo-strategic environment plus emerging non-traditional security issues have urged ASEAN countries to stay united and adapt to new situations to maintain its centrality in the region.
Mr. Minh added that it has been Vietnam’s great honor to act as ASEAN Chair as the bloc celebrates its 53rd anniversary and marks Vietnam’s 25th anniversary joining the bloc. Although the bloc is facing unprecedented challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, ASEAN has prepared plans for recovery and strong leadership during the post Covid-19 pandemic.
"I'd like to emphasize that ASEAN future is bright. With the "Think Community, Act Community" approach, Vietnam will continue to work closely with our ASEAN sisters and brothers as well as external partners and the international community to build a united and resilient ASEAN community. Shoulders to shoulders, we can rise above any challenges and move ASEAN forward," said Mr. Minh.
The annual flag-raising ceremony to mark ASEAN’s foundation has become a tradition of all ASEAN member countries to honor the bloc’s common values, solidarity, and cooperation.