ASEAN at 40 was a milestone for the grouping and an important point in its history, Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said on Thursday.
Syed Hamid made this remark at a flag hoisting ceremony held at his ministry in Putrajaya, administrative center of the country, to mark the 40th anniversary of ASEAN.
"In retrospect, we are able to see how crucial the role and guidance the founding fathers of ASEAN had played and their foresight to chart our destiny for further generations to enjoy the peace and stability that enabled our region to develop and prosper," he said.
The geopolitical and economic landscape in the world had changed dramatically since 40 years ago with the advent of globalization, technological advancements, he said. ASEAN and other parts of the world had became more interdependent.
However, he said, ASEAN have faced these challenges with confidence as it have emerged stronger and more united.
"This confidence can be translated as well as demonstrated by the fact that ASEAN is able to accelerate its plans to realize the birth of the ASEAN Community by 2015 instead of 2020, " he said.
The Malaysian foreign minister noted that ASEAN's future and destiny lies in their own hands as the grouping matures, stressing it must constantly strengthen and renew itself to maintain its relevance.
"In this context, a bold undertaking is underway through the process of establishing an ASEAN Charter, " he said.
Describing the flag hoisting ceremony is an important part of Malaysia's efforts to promote the sense and spirit of being ASEAN, Syed Hamid said that by taking efforts to raise public awareness of ASEAN and making ASEAN a more people-centric organization, these sense and spirit will grow among the ASEAN people based on respect, understanding and goodwill.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed on August 8, 1957. ASEAN foreign ministers has agreed that ASEAN should celebrate the day as ASEAN Day every year in the future.
Malaysia, one of the founding members of ASEAN, has lined up several activities to celebrate the grouping's 40th anniversary, which was highlighted by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's televised speech on Tuesday.
Syed Hamid also is expected to deliver a speech at the ASEAN Lecture Series and host an ASEAN Day reception on Friday.
Syed Hamid commended the ASEAN Secretariat's initiatives in implementing an outreach program of "ASEAN Knowledge Caravan" to promote awareness of ASEAN among students.
He said that Malaysia successfully organized the program last month in its northwestern island of Pinang, in which 500 students participated.
He expressed confidence that the level of awareness of ASEAN has steadily increased as ASEAN day is celebrated on a more concerted manner over the past few years.
Source: Xinhua
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