(VOVworld) –Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hoisted the ASEAN and Vietnamese flags today at a ceremony to mark the 45^th anniversary of ASEAN and Vietnam’s 17^th year of membership. The ceremony occurred at the foreign ministry’s headquarters in Hanoi, attended by Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and ASEAN members’ ambassadors to Vietnam.

The flag-hoisting ceremony to mark ASEAN's 45th anniversary in Hanoi. (Photo: internet)

Since 2011, all ASEAN members have held an annual ceremony to honor the ASEAN flag, which represents the bloc’s solidarity, principles, and efforts, and mark ASEAN Day. The ceremony symbolizes a determination to build an ASEAN community by 2015, promote the role and image of ASEAN, and maintain ASEAN’s principles of solidarity and unity in parallel with activeness and creativeness in resolving issues for regional peace, stability, security, and development.
Along with other ASEAN members, Vietnam has hoisted the ASEAN flag to honor its great meanings. The event reflects Vietnam’s determination to contribute to ASEAN’s joint efforts to build up the community by 2015 and gradually raise public awareness on ASEAN. On the other hand, the flag-hoisting ceremony helps promote the images of ASEAN and ASEAN community among international friends, contributing to the association’s common success.
The same day, Vietnam held a meeting to mark ASEAN’s founding anniversary. After the news, we’ll bring you a VOV special report on ASEAN’s efforts to build a unified and prosperous community.