Delegates at the ceremony

A ceremony to mark the 48th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was held in Pretoria, South Africa on August 13.

Addressing the event, Philippine Ambassador Joseph Gerard B. Angeles, who is Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Pretoria (APC), highlighted the grouping’s efforts in intensifying internal solidarity and collaboration with other countries, promoting the central role of ASEAN, and working towards the formation of the ASEAN Community (AC) later this year.

He asserted ASEAN member countries wish to tighten relations with South Africa for interests of both sides.

Ambassador Anil Sooklal from the South African Foreign Ministry’s regional affairs department highlighted traditional friendship between South Africa and ASEAN while emphasising potential for bilateral cooperation.

Talking with Vietnam News Agency correspondents in South Africa, Vietnamese Ambassador Le Huy Hoang affirmed huge cooperation potential between ASEAN and South Africa, saying future investment and trade between ASEAN and South Africa will excess the current figure of over 20 billion USD.

ASEAN traditional art performances and dishes as well as the region’s tourism activities were introduced to participating guests.

Source: VNA