Thailand celebrates 58th anniversary of ASEAN with run, flag-raising ceremony
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Ambassador Pham Viet Hung (far right) completes the 2.5km course at the event. (Photo: VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) – Thail♒and’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs marked the 58th foundi🍰ng anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (August 8, 1967 - 2025) with a flag-raising ceremony and the ASEAN Family Run 2025 at Lumpini Park in the capital of Bangkok on August 8.
Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, representatives from embassies of ASEAN member states, officials from Timor-Leste - the bloc’s incoming member – and diplomats from numerous other countries in Thailand took part in the event.
In his opening remarks, Maris said the combination of the ceremony and the run was intended to encourage broad participation from the public, diplomatic corps, and Thai citizens, reflecting the spirit of ASEAN. He expressed pride in Thailand’s status as a founding member 58 years ago and in his role as part of the ASEAN “family” since its earliest days.
The minister emphasised that ASEAN's strong presence goes beyond just meetings and diplomatic protocol, it represents a commitment to forward-looking cooperation. He expressed his hope that this year's celebrations would inspire renewed momentum for ongoing friendship and close collaboration within the ASEAN Community in the years to come.
Joining the run himself, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
The ambassador highlighted that 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s official accession to ASEAN – a journey of integration undertaken with dedication and responsibility. He said Vietnam’s participation in the event was a reaffirmation of its strong commitment to the core values of the ASEAN Community: “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.”
The Vietnamese diplomat said the event conveyed a message of a dynamic, friendly and sustainable ASEAN, where friendship and cooperation are nurtured not only at the negotiating table but also in everyday life.
He expressed his confidence that, with solidarity and shared determination, Vietnam would actively contribute to building a more united and developed ASEAN for peace, stability, and common prosperity of the region./.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
After 58 years of formation and development (August 8, 1967 – 2025), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has established itself as a successful model of regional cooperation and integration.
Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has called on member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to implement structural economic reforms to enhance resilience in the face of global challenges and geopolitical shifts.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
Emphasising the need for sustainable, long-term collaboration, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on Japanese investors not only to bring in capital but also to share expertise and modern technology, especially in areas such as green transformation, the circular economy, and advanced corporate governance.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
Over the past five decades, the Vietnam - Angola relationship has grown steadily, marked by political trust and close bonds between their Parties, States, Governments, and peoples, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
President Luong Cuong called on the two countries to join hands to promote South – South cooperation, contribute to building a fair and equal global political and economic order, safeguard independence and sovereignty, and promote extensive and substantive international solidarity and cooperation.
President Luong Cuong called on the community to remain united, integrate well into local society, adhere to local laws, and continue contributing to both Angola’s development and Vietnam – Angola relations.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of Angola Carolina Cerqueira agreed to continue strengthening political trust, boost high-level delegation exchanges via all channels, including the parliamentary one, and create favourable legal conditions for bilateral cooperation.
Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço met with the press right after concluding their talks and witnessing the signing of seven cooperation agreements between the two countries in Luanda on August 7.
State President Luong Cuong stressed the fraternal ties between Vietnam and Angola as a shared invaluable asset. It serves as a solid foundation for both countries to enter a new phase of development, further foster political trust and mutual support between the two Parties and States, and deepen the solidarity and mutual understanding between their people.
At the dialogue, both sides expressed satisfaction with the intensive and extensive development of bilateral relationship since it was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.
The robust collaboration between the Vietnamese National Assembly and Japan’s National Diet, particularly between the two nations’ parliamentary friendship groups, is a hallmark of bilateral relations, contributing to deepening the Vietnam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership, said NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man.
Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long received British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew in Hanoi on August 7, affirming education as a standout pillar in the Vietnam - UK Strategic Partnership.
