The honor guard performs the ASEAN flag-raising ceremony. (Photo: Vietnam+)

On the morning of August 8, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (August 8, 1967 - August 8, 2025).

Attending the flag-raising ceremony were Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang, ambassadors, chargé d'affaires, representatives of ASEAN countries and ASEAN partner countries, and representatives of leaders of departments, ministries and branches.

The ASEAN flag-raising ceremony is an official tradition proudly celebrated by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year.

The activity aims to spread and promote ASEAN identity, affirming 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.

Speaking at the ceremony, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu affirmed that the ceremony has special significance, as ASEAN celebrates its 58th founding anniversary, as well as marking the 10th anniversary of the founding of the ASEAN Community and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam joining the big family of Southeast Asian nations.

According to Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu, this year's ASEAN founding anniversary has special significance for Vietnam as the Party, State and people of Vietnam are aiming for two dual goals of celebrating the 100th anniversary: by 2030, the 100th anniversary of the Party's founding - a century of revolutionary leadership and national development; by 2045, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

These historic milestones reinforce Vietnam’s commitment to becoming a strong and prosperous nation, not only for Vietnam itself, but also to make meaningful contributions to the ASEAN home and the common prosperity of the region.

On behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and the Government of Vietnam, Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu sent congratulations to ASEAN and all member countries on nearly six decades of solidarity, sustainable development and common prosperity, making Southeast Asia a beacon of regional cooperation.

Emphasizing that ASEAN countries are moving towards the future with a clear vision and firm determination, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu affirmed that in today's complex and interconnected world, ASEAN's central role is more important than ever. Major powers are competing for influence. Global challenges are increasing rapidly. Regional tensions continue. Only through ASEAN's central role can we maintain stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia.

“We maintain our role as a driving force for peace, stability and development in Southeast Asia. Our centrality allows us to bridge gaps, build consensus and chart our own course in turbulent times,” the Deputy Minister stressed.

According to Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu, the most important achievements of ASEAN over the past 58 years are the peaceful, stable and cooperative political environment that has been maintained and strengthened; close regional economic connectivity, sustainable and inclusive growth and timely adaptation to new trends; a society where people are always placed at the center and the spirit of the ASEAN Community is always promoted.

Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu speaks. (Photo: An Dang/VNA)

In October 2025, when Timor-Leste officially becomes the 11th member of ASEAN, under the leadership of ASEAN Chair Malaysia, this will be a historic expansion, strengthening the community strength and common voice of ASEAN.

Appreciating Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair in 2025 with the theme "Inclusive and Sustainable," Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu affirmed that Vietnam will work closely with member countries and partners with Malaysia to promote regional priorities, shape the future, and move towards an era of peace, stability and prosperity.

"The ASEAN flag flying today is a symbol of ASEAN's central role in shaping the future of Southeast Asia - for the prosperity of its 700 million people," said Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu./.

According to vietnamplus.vn

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-tri-xa-hoi/trang-trong-le-thuong-co-ky-niem-58-nam-thanh-lap-asean-tai-ha-noi-156531.html