ASEAN’s founding anniversary marked in South Africa hinh anh 1ASEAN groups 10 members, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam (Source: internet) 

Pretoria (VNA) – The ASEAN Committee in Pretoria (APC) held a ceremony in South Africa on August 7 in celebration of the 51st founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (August 8, 1967).

The event was jointly held by ambassadors from ASEAN nations in South Africa with the participation of nearly 200 delegates.

Speaking at the opening, Malaysian Ambassador to South Africa Mohamad Nizan Mohamad, Chairman of the APC, highlighted achievements that ASEAN has gained over the half century, developing the bloc into a strong community with solidarity, rule-based operation, and comprehensive connectivity in all fields.

This has contributed to the maintenance of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region as well as increase the association’s role and position in the region and the world, he said.

Over the past 50 years, ASEAN has strived to achieve its common goals with the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015, bringing important and practical benefits to its member states.

ASEAN plays a crucial role to regional peace, stability, cooperation and development, he stressed.

Manelisi Genge, chief director of East Asia and Oceania at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in South Africa, welcomed investment and trade promotion activities of ASEAN countries in South Africa.

He suggested ASEAN and South Africa enhance multi-faceted cooperation, especially in economy and trade.

ASEAN groups 10 members, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.-VNA

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