Moscow (VNA) – The embassies of Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia in Ukraine co-organiseda flag-hoisting ceremony on August 8 to mark the 53rd anniversary ofthe founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (August 8,1967-2020).

Addressingthe ceremony, held at the Embassy of Malaysia, Malaysian Ambassador to Ukraine Dato' Reza Raja Zaib Shah highlighted the great achievements ASEAN hasmade so far, stressing that ASEAN is playing an increasing important role inthe economic and socio-political life in the region and the world.

Thediplomat affirmed that despite the raging COVID-19 pandemic, the ASEAN stillsuccessfully conducted many activities in the first half of this year under theleadership of Vietnam as the bloc’s chair in 2020, for example the first onlineASEAN Summit, ASEAN+3 and other important meetings. He noted his belief thatVietnam will excellently fulfill its Chair of the bloc in the remaining six monthsof the year.

Regardingthe relations between ASEAN and Ukraine, Ambassador Dato' Reza Raja Zaib Shah highlighted theinitiative of setting up an ASEAN Committee in Ukraine, which will be aneffective channel for dialogue and cooperation between the two sides.

In a recorded speech sent to the ceremony, UkraineForeign Minister D. Kuleba congratulated ASEAN members on the anniversary, andexpressed a hope that Vietnam, as Chair of the bloc in 2020, will work to liftUkraine-ASEAN relationship to a new high.

The FM affirmed that Ukraine has interests inSoutheast Asia, adding that the Asia-Pacific region, including ASEAN, will bemade a priority in Ukraine’s external policy.

He suggested establishing an ASEAN Centre at a majoruniversity in Kiev to popularise information about the regional grouping, and repeatedUkraine’s proposal on becoming an observer of the ASEAN Inter-ParliamentaryAssembly (AIPA) and joining the Treaty on Amity and Cooperation in SoutheastAsia (TAC).

On the occasion, Vietnamese Ambassador to UkraineNguyen Anh Tuan granted an interview to the radio and TV channel of the Ukraineparliament. During the interview, he said Vietnam’s success in the past timewas attributable to the nation’s aspiration for peace and the will to move forward,as well as to the clear-sighted leadership of the Party and Government with thecreative application of Ho Chi Minh Thought.

He said Vietnam’s admission to ASEAN in 1995 and itsactive contribution to the organisation are vivid examples of the soundleadership of the Party and Government of Vietnam./.