Ambassadors of ASEAN member states in Germany and their spouses pose for a photo at the ASEAN Day, which opened in Berlin on September 12. (Photo: VNA) Berlin (VNA) –The Berlin ASEAN Committee (BAC) hosted the ASEAN Day in the capital city ofGermany on September 12 to promote distinctive cultures of ASEAN member statesamong local people.
The annual event was expectedto enhance understanding and further strengthen ties between ten ASEAN nationsand Germany.
Present at the event were RenateKünast, Member of the German Bundestag and Chair of the German-ASEANParliamentary Friendship Group;Petra Sigmund, Deputy Director General for East Asia, South East Asia and thePacific at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany; and diplomats of ASEANnations.
In her opening remarks,Cambodian Ambassador Touch Sophanrath, who is also the current BAC Chair,recalled achievements made by ASEAN over the past five decades, making it anunited, strong grouping with comprehensive cooperation in all areas andcontributing to the regional peace, stability and development.
ASEAN’s role and positionhave been heightened in the region and the world, she said.
The ambassador underlinedthat relations between ASEAN and Germnay, and the EU at large have grown strongly over years, saying she expects ASEAN, EU and Germanywill make greater efforts to unlock their potential for cooperation, particularlyin backing ASEAN to realise the SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs).
Germany was the first amongdeveloped countries to become partner of ASEAN, Sigmund said,adding ASEAN and Germany have collaborated in environmental protection andrenewable energy among others.
She hoped the ties will befurther expanded with stronger commitments from both sides.
For her part, Kunast spoke highlyof the ASEAN-EU relations, noting the ties are important so that Germnay andASEAN will focus on enhancing them./.
VNA
