‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community”
In the picture H.E. Pham Viet Anh, Ambassador of the Republic of Vietnam
By Roy Lie Atjam
The Hague, 10 August 2021, the current Chairman of the ASEAN Embassies in The Hague H.E. Mr Pham Viet Anh Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam hosted the 54th ASEAN Day and Flag Hoisting Ceremony on the premises of the Embassy of Viet Nam. ”One Vision, One Identity, One Community”
There were speeches and performances by the various communities.
Ambassador H.E. Mr Pham Viet Anh delivered his opening remarks, Madam Karin Mossenlechne the Director of Asia & Oceania was the next speaker.
The festive morning concluded with the playing of the ASEAN Anthem “The ASEAN Way” and a lavish walking buffet consisting of savoury dishes of the ASEAN member states. Here is an abbreviated rendition of the remarks delivered by Ambassador H.E. Mr Pham Viet Anh.
Today I welcome Ambassadors and distinguished guests to the premises of the Embassy in The Hague for the ASEAN Flag hoisting ceremony. Today we celebrate the 54th Anniversary of the founding of ASEAN. We proudly look back at the historical milestones we have achieved. At the same time, we look forward to a promising future.
Since its inception in 1967, ASEAN has come a long way.ASEAN has turned Southeast Asia from discord to concord, from confrontation to cooperation, from division to solidarity, and from poverty to dynamic development. Through its Community-building process, ASEAN enables southeast Asia to thrive as a big family of six hundred and fifty million people with a combined GDP of three trillion $US. For decades, ASEAN has fostered a peaceful, stable and resilient region with dynamic economies. Together, we are proud to be part of the ASEAN Family and contributing to a successful model of regional connectivity.
ASEAN turns 54 amidst a world dealing with unprecedented challenges. For the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis unlike any we have ever seen. But it reminded us that only by unity and solidarity we can get through this together.
I believe that with the “Think Community Act Community” approach, with the valuable support of our reliable partners around the world, ASEAN will continue its ways strides towards a united and resilient community. Shoulder to shoulder, we can rise above challenges and move ASEAN forward to contribute to the world’s peace and prosperity.
The ASEAN Committee, since its establishment in October 2015 has been consolidating ASEAN solidarity and promoting cooperation between the ASEAN and the Netherlands, as well as other important partners. We believe the growing partnership between ASEAN and the Netherlands contributes to our shared vision and values of sustainable development and peace. We, therefore, welcome the accession of the Netherlands to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia(TAC)
We also welcome the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the Netherlands and that of the EU. We hope that ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms will soon be at the heart of the European partners’ vision for the Indo-Pacific region. In that regard, we look forward to working with all partners to accelerate cooperation, recovery from the pandemic and strengthen our resilience, for the benefit of our people and the future of our prosperity.
May people in the region enjoy lasting peace and prosperity! May the friendship and cooperation between ASEAN and the Netherlands be forever strong!
The guest of honor at the flag hoisting ceremony was Madam Karin Mossenlechner, Director Asia & Oceania at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Director Mossenlechner delivered her remarks. She touched on the long-standing cooperation with ASEAN, Economic cooperation, sustainability, cyber-security and other points.
A cultural presentation was part of the program featuring, songs and dances from ASEAN countries.
