Hanoi, August 9 (VNA) – The 52nd anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was marked across the world on August 8 withthe participation of diplomats from ASEAN member states.

At the celebration in Italy held by the ASEAN Committeein Rome (ACR), Philippine Ambassador Domingo P. Nilasco, who is also the ACRChairman, reviewed the bloc’s achievements in the past 52 years.

He stressed that the ASEAN has become stronger through years,adding that as 2019 is the ASEAN Cultural Year with the theme of Diversity,Creativity and Sustainability, the ASEAN Day is an opportunity to honour thediversity of ASEAN culture through costumes, cuisines, and traditional artperformances.

Guests at the celebration had chance to enjoy stellar dance and excellentcuisines of ASEAN member states that have embassies in Italy, namely Indonesia,Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

The same day, the embassies of Indonesia, Malaysia, thePhilippines, Thailand and Vietnam in Argentina joined hands with the SouthAmerica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship held a grand ceremony to markASEAN’s founding anniversary.

Laying a stress on ASEAN’s notable achievements in building a community of cooperationand joint development, Philippine Ambassador Linglingay F.Lancanlale, who isalso the current rotary Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Buenos Aires (ACBA),said the bloc has set up various effective cooperative mechanisms to settleregional issues as well as agreed on consistent stance in international issues,contributing to regional peace and stability.

With strong solidarity, integration, and comprehensive cooperation, ASEAN’sroles and position have been increased in the international arena, she said.

Regarding the ASEAN-Argentina ties, the Philippine diplomat highlighted bothsides are working to promote the cooperative ties, particularly the traderelations have been backed up by policies from the governments.  However, she said as there is huge room forthem to boost collaboration, the ACBA will continue coordination with Argentinato seek new cooperative opportunities.


Congratulating the ASEAN’s solidarity, cooperation and proactive development,Argentinian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship Gustavo Zlauvinenaffirmed his Government’s commitment to enhancing ties with the ASEAN acrossthe fields of politics, economy, trade, science-technology, and culture.

The signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation between the two sides inApril will serve as a catalyst for the strengthening of bilateral cooperationin the fields of their strengths in the coming time, he said.

The same celebration was held in Chile by the ASEAN Committee in Santiago deChile, with the participation of diplomats and social organisations in the hostnation.


Meanwhile, in South Africa, Deputy Head of the Department of InternationalRelations and Cooperation of South Africa Alvin Botes spoke highly of thesolidarity of the ASEAN member states in ensuring regional and global peace andstability at the ceremony to mark the anniversary held by the ASEAN Communityin Pretoria (ACP).

He reiterated the solidarity between the ASEAN and South Africa, believing thatthey need to further efforts to tighten their sound relations.

On behalf of the ASEAN diplomats, Singaporean Ambassadorto South Africa, who is also Chairman of the ACP, underlined ASEAN’sachievements in the past five decades, helping the bloc become a solid, strong,and binding organisation that has increasing position in the region and theworld.

Touching on ASEAN-South Africa relations, the Singaporean diplomat stressedAfrica is an important bridge to promote the ties between ASEAN and Africa.-VNA