The 46th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was marked by flag hoisting ceremonies taking place simultaneously in all ASEAN member countries on August 8.

Present at a function in Hanoi marking Vietnam’s joining the Association in 1995 were Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Bui Hong Linh, and diplomats from ASEAN member countries.

The flag hoisting shows strong determination to build the ASEAN Community by 2015, with a focus on three key areas - namely politics-security, economics, and socio-culture.

On July 28, 1995, the national flag of Vietnam was hoisted along with those of six other Southeast Asian nations, confirming the country as the official 7th member of ASEAN.

At present, ASEAN has ten members which are closely cooperating for the benefit of peace, stability, development and prosperity in each country, as well as in the region and the world.

Source: VOV