By ASEAN-China Centre (ACC)

The Ceremony of 50thAnniversary of ASEAN Held in Manila

By ASEAN-China Centre (ACC)

On 8 August 2017, the Ceremony of 50thAnniversary of ASEAN was held in Manila,the Philippines, in conjunction with the Closing Ceremony of Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.H.E. Mr. Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines,this year’s Rotating Chair of ASEAN, and foreign ministers or their representatives of ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Dialogue Partners and other countries attending the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, people from various sectors of the Philippines, and Diplomatic Missions to the Philippines attended the event. H.E.Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ASEANChina Centre (ACC), attended the ceremony upon invitation.

President Duterte stated, “Today is a milestone for nations and peoples in Southeast Asia. We are stronger, more vibrant, and more robust as an ASEAN Community. We proved that what we share is more valuable than our differences, that our diversity is a strength rather than a weakness, and that regionalism— developed at our own pace and under our own terms and with our values — can work. It is important for ASEAN countries to further strengthen solidarity and fully realize the dreams and aspirations for our peoples.We want a region that is secure, stable and sustainable and inclusive in its growth — where no one is left behind and everyone has the opportunity to realize their potential.”

Mr. Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Foreign Minister of the Philippines, pointed out that ASEAN has fostered a paradigm that creates the environment for cooperation and collaboration despite their own national interests and differences. The ASEAN forefathers have provided the road map — namely, seeking consensus through consultation and promoting cooperation through consensus — to perfect this paradigm. ASEAN countries are living in peace, stability, prosperity,with ASEAN at the center of the evolving regional architecture. ASEAN has found its own way. Going forward, ASEAN will march on to build a better future through community, centrality and connectivity.

The ceremony started with a video of leaders of ASEAN Member States expressing congratulations on the 50thanniversary. Afterwards, the founders of ASEAN were rewarded with respects and awards,followed by cultural performances of ASEAN Member States. The atmosphere was warm.

The 50thanniversary of the foundind of ASEAN