The ASEAN Committee to South Africa held an ASEAN Day to mark the 45 th founding anniversary of the association in South Africa’s capital of Pretoria on Aug. 23.

Addressing the ceremony, the Committee’s Chairman, Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Constancio R.Vingo, reviewed the establishment and development of the association.

He said ASEAN has been growing to play an important role in various international issues, helping maintain peace and promote cooperation throughout the region and the world as well.

The Committee’s Chairman expressed his belief that the bloc’s future development will bring new successes for its member countries.

He thanked the Governments of South Africa and other African countries for cooperation with ASEAN member countries in various fields, saying enhancement of this cooperation will create an important momentum for the developmental and progressive course in the world.

Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Nguyen Manh Hung was present at the event.

ASEAN consists of Brunei , Cambodia , Indonesia , Laos , Malaysia , Myanmar , the Philippines , Singapore , Thailand and Vietnam.-VNA