ASEAN’s 46th anniversary marked in HCM City
(VOV) - The HCM City Union of Friendship Organisation (HUFO) celebrated the 46th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on August 2 (1967–2013).
Municipal leaders, ASEAN consuls general, and city students heard Vietnam-Southeast Asia Friendship Association Chairwoman Phan Thi Hong Xuan describe ASEAN as an indispensable pillar of support upholding regional peace, stability, and development.
By promoting dialogue, cooperation, and connectivity between its member nations, Hong said the bloc ensures the prosperity of a region boasting an annual GDP exceeding US$2,000 billion are shared by all its more than 600 million residents.
Southideth Phommalat, the Lao Consul General in HCM City, reviewed ASEAN’s wealth of impressive achievements over its 46-year history.
He voiced his confidence in ASEAN member nations using these past successes as springboards into a future of even stronger growth.
Solidarity and connectivity will support the establishment of a common ASEAN community by 2015 and expand its role in promoting regional and international peace, cooperation, and development.