Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son addresses the ceremony (Photo: VNA) Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to welcome all of you to the ASEAN Flag-HoistingCeremony today to mark the 55th founding anniversary of ASEAN. I am also happyto see all of you, healthy and safe after two years of COVID-19 outbreak.
The ceremony this morning brings me back to the solemn moment as the ASEAN Flagwas hoisted high amidst the stirring ASEAN Anthem at the very successful 55thASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Phnom Penh last week. Standing before the ASEAN Flag, we are truly proudof what we all have achieved in pursuing the aspirations of nearly 700 millionSoutheast Asian people for an ASEAN Community of peace, solidarity, resilienceand prosperity.
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
In 1967, the birth of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations laid theground for us to realise our dream of a region of lasting peace and stability,sustainable growth, and inclusive social progress.
The55th anniversary of ASEAN this year is also an important occasion for us tolook back on the road full of challenges and glories that ASEAN has gonethrough, to pay homage to the devotion of previous generations, to honor theachievements of the past and get ready for the future.
After five and a half decades together, we may take pride in ASEAN, one of themost dynamic and successful organisations in the world. We have been able tomaintain an environment of peace, stability and cooperation for developmentacross many decades.
Its combined GDP of more than 3.2 trillion USD makesASEAN the fifth largest economy in the world. The relationship between theAssociation and its partners, including all major powers, is increasinglydeepened and more substantive for mutual benefits. ASEAN has also proven itscentrality and growing prominence in the region and beyond.
These achievements did not grow on trees. They are the result of the tirelessefforts from each member state and the strong support and cooperation of ourinternational friends and partners. Vietnam is proud to have made active andsignificant contribution to the shared accomplishments of ASEAN.
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, the world is changing profoundly, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, theFourth Industrial Revolution, and geo-political economic shifts. To continuepursuing the vision and the goals of ASEAN Community, we must double efforts toconsolidate foundation for the future. The important task of us is to promoterapid and sustainable rebound after the pandemic, and at the same time developa Post-2025 Vision for the Community’s next stage of development.
As we raise the ASEAN Flag today, it is my hope and trust that our Associationshall also fly higher and further for benefits of our peoples, for the sake ofpeace, stability, friendship and development in the region and the world.
Wish you all great health, happiness and continued success.
Thank you./.
VNA
