The embassies of ASEAN countries in Cuba jointly held an ASEAN flag raising ceremony in Havana on August 8 to mark the 45 th founding anniversary of the association.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hay Sonnarin, Ambassador of Cambodia, which is now ASEAN Chair, reviewed the 45-year formation and development of ASEAN, stressing the member states’ efforts in promoting connectivity and cooperation to fulfil the goal of building a strong ASEAN community with sustainable development in all aspects.

She affirmed that ASEAN has now become a regional organisation which has close political and economic links and plays an important role in Asia. It is also an indispensable strategic partner of major countries and organisations in the world, she added.

On the same day, the Vietnamese embassies in Cuba, Germany and Bulgaria organised ceremonies to raise the ASEAN flag adjacent to Vietnam’s national flags in celebration of the 45 th ASEAN founding anniversary and 17 years of Vietnam’s admission to the association.-VNA