ASEAN Day promotes ties with Germany

Berlin (VNA) – The Berlin ASEAN Committee (BAC) hosted the ASEAN Day in the capital city of Germany on September 12 to promote distinctive cultures of ASEAN member states among local people.

The annual event was expected to enhance understanding and further strengthen ties between ten ASEAN nations and Germany.

Present at the event were Renate Künast, Member of the German Bundestag and Chair of the German-ASEAN Parliamentary Friendship Group; Petra Sigmund, Deputy Director General for East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany; and diplomats of ASEAN nations.

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 an united, strong grouping with comprehensive cooperation in all areas and contributing to the regional peace, stability and development.

ASEAN’s role and position have been heightened in the region and the world, she said.

The ambassador underlined that relations between ASEAN and Germnay, and the EU at large have grown strongly over years, saying she expects ASEAN, EU and Germany will make greater efforts to unlock their potential for cooperation, particularly in backing ASEAN to realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Germany was the first among developed countries to become partner of ASEAN, Sigmund said, adding ASEAN and Germany have collaborated in environmental protection and renewable energy among others.

She hoped the ties will be further expanded with stronger commitments from both sides.

For her part, Kunast spoke highly of the ASEAN-EU relations, noting the ties are important so that Germnay and ASEAN will focus on enhancing them./.