ASEAN Turns 57: Envoys Reflect On Success And Future Collaboration

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- In a resounding show of solidarity, foreign envoys in Malaysia have extended their heartfelt wishes for unity and collaboration across Southeast Asia as the regional grouping commemorates the 57th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Day on Thursday.

With Laos holding the chairmanship this year and Malaysia set to assume the role next year, ambassadors and high commissioners highlighted ASEAN's crucial role in fostering regional stability and economic growth. They also expressed hopes for a more interconnected and resilient future for the region.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Malaysia Dinh Ngoc Linh described ASEAN as a symbol of success in regional cooperation, particularly in the face of a highly volatile global situation.

“Today, as citizens of ASEAN, we are all glad to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN and, for Vietnam, it's our 29th anniversary of becoming a full-fledged member of ASEAN.

“Throughout its development, we are proud to see ASEAN as a symbol of success in regional cooperation, especially in the current context of a highly volatile world situation,” he said in a statement shared with Bernama.

Looking ahead, the envoy expressed strong support for Malaysia as it prepares to assume the role of ASEAN Chair in 2025.

"As our top leaders have already mentioned, I would like to once again reiterate that Vietnam fully supports Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 and wishes Malaysia great success," he added.

United Kingdom High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ailsa Terry, in a 47-second video shared on the High Commission’s X account, reflected on ASEAN’s foundational moment 57 years ago.

“57 years ago today, leaders from across the region came together to sign the ASEAN declaration, working together to promote regional peace and prosperity through accelerating cultural development, social progress, and economic growth.

“As ASEAN’s newest dialogue partner, the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Laos. He brought a message that echoed the ASEAN declaration: stronger partnership with our friends in ASEAN so that we can all grow together. 

“The UK looks forward to being more connected and resilient with ASEAN and the world. So from me and the people of the UK, Happy 57th ASEAN Day!” she said.

The United States (US) embassy, through its X platform @usembassykl tagged @ASEAN and reaffirmed its commitment to the region.

"The US is a durable & reliable partner of ASEAN and continues to be a key contributor to inclusive & sustainable economic growth in the region, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. 

“The US remains ASEAN's number one source of foreign direct investment,” the embassy said, tagging the regional bloc’s official X account, @ASEAN, with the hashtag #ASEANDay.

South Korean Ambassador to Malaysia, Yeo Seung Bae also extended his congratulations to ASEAN on its anniversary.

“As a reliable dialogue partner of ASEAN since 1989, South Korea will continue to enhance our strong cooperation with ASEAN, which is well highlighted by our effort to elevate Korea-ASEAN relations into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“South Korea will offer its utmost support for the success of Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025," he told Bernama.

Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Katsuhiko Takahashi on his personal X account @Amb_Takahashi expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration with ASEAN member states, including Malaysia.

South Africa’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dave Malcomson, emphasised the importance of ongoing cooperation.

“South Africa would like to extend best wishes to Malaysia and the wider ASEAN community as you celebrate ASEAN Day today. 

“We are an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and value our relations with ASEAN and its members. We look forward to cooperating with Malaysia in 2025 as you chair ASEAN while we chair the G20,” the envoy told Bernama.

Ukraine’s Charge D Affairs to Malaysia, Denys Mykhailiuk, shared a vision for the future.

“As we move forward together, let us continue striving to ensure our future for the harmony and prosperity that prevail for all of us,” he said in a video shared with Bernama.

ASEAN Day is celebrated annually on Aug 8 to mark the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 

Established in 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration, ASEAN aims to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability among its members.

The current ASEAN members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.

-- BERNAMA