ASEAN commemorated its 59th ASEAN Day under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”, highlighting Timor-Leste’s accession as its 11th Member State, the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and the implementation of ASEAN Vision 2045.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, officiated the 59th ASEAN Day Celebrations at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, bringing together representatives of ASEAN Member States and the wider ASEAN community to mark another milestone in the regional organisation’s journey.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Kao highlighted three significant milestones shaping ASEAN’s current trajectory. The first is the accession of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th Member State, marking a new chapter in the organisation’s efforts to deepen regional integration and strengthen an inclusive ASEAN community. The second is the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), which continues to serve as a cornerstone of ASEAN’s commitment to peace, stability and cooperation.
The celebrations also marked the first year of implementation of ASEAN Vision 2045: Our Shared Future, which sets out the region’s long-term direction towards a more resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred ASEAN. The milestone reflects ASEAN’s continued efforts to respond collectively to emerging regional and global challenges while advancing a shared vision for the future.
Held under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the celebration featured pre-recorded remarks from the ASEAN Chair, H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines. His participation underscored the Philippines’ role as ASEAN Chair and the importance of collective action in navigating the region’s evolving opportunities and challenges.
H.E. Sugiono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, also attended the ASEAN Day celebrations and delivered an ASEAN Day address. The event reaffirmed ASEAN’s enduring commitment to unity, cooperation and a shared regional future, as the organisation enters a new phase of development with an expanded membership, a strengthened foundation of regional cooperation and the implementation of its long-term vision.
Source: ASEAN
