The ASEAN flag hoisting ceremony at the headquarters of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (photo: tienphong.vn)

The flag hosting ceremony at the same time in 10 ASEAN countries shows countries’ determination to upholding to the bloc’s principles of solidarity, consensus, activeness, and flexibility in dealing with issues on its development path, particularly challenges to regional peace, stability, security, and development.

Ambassadors of ASEAN countries and partners attended the ceremony

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said: “Vietnam has joined ASEAN for 22 years, which was about half of the bloc’s history. Vietnam has played an active role in ASEAN’s expansion from 6 members to 10 and the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015. We have taken the lead in fulfilling tasks towards the establishment of the ASEAN Community. Vietnam has coordinated and deepened relations between ASEAN and partner countries.”