(VOVworld) - Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman announced the official formation of the ASEAN Community on Thursday. The Minister said Malaysia welcomes the formation of the ASEAN Community and reiterated the country’s support to further strengthen the community building and regional integration as well as implement commitments under the ASEAN Community’s Post-2015 Vision and ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together.

ASEAN leaders join the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the establishment of the ASEAN Community (Source: VNA)

An ASEAN flag raising ceremony was held on Thursday in Hanoi to mark this event. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said the formation of the ASEAN Community is the result of half a century of effort by ASEAN countries for peace, friendship, cooperation and development: “The ASEAN Community is the first one established in Asia. With the total population of 600 million, we will join hands to build a community with close economic and political links and share social responsibility. The governments and ASEAN Secretariat are responsible for promoting the construction of the ASEAN Community to meet the aspiration of the people as well as international partners and friends”.

Mr. Minh said ASEAN has always been the main pillar in Vietnam’s diplomatic policy: “Vietnam is proud to take part in and make contribution to cooperating and building process of the ASEAN Community from 1995 to now. Together with this, Vietnam has exerted effort in its renovation process, regional and international integration. Vietnam is committed to continue actively participating and being a responsible partner to successfully build the ASEAN Community”.

An ASEAN flag raising ceremony also took place at Nha Rong wharf, Ho Chi Minh city.

An art performance to celebrate the formation of the ASEAN Community was held on Wednesday in Ho Chi Minh city with the participation of artists from Vietnam and other ASEAN countries.