Vientiane (VNA) – A flag-raisingceremony was held in Vientiane on August 11 in celebration of the 50th foundinganniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and 20 yearsof Laos’ engagement in the bloc.

Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith saidAugust 8 is a significant and historical day to all ASEAN member nations as itmarks the development of a regional organisation, which was established tostrengthen cooperation in the spirit of equality, building peace, stability,development and prosperity in the region and beyond.

Despite difficulties and challenges over thepast 50 years, ASEAN has gradually evolved and gained solid achievements tobecome an organisation connecting regional countries, which was recognised bythe international community, he said.

Being an official member of ASEAN from 1997,Laos has made active contributions to the building of the ASEAN Community,bringing pragmatic benefits to Laos and ASEAN in general, he added.

He took this occasion to thank ASEAN partner anddialogue countries to support and cooperate with the bloc over the past fivedecades.

The diplomathoped the involved parties will continue upholding the spirit of cooperation andfriendship to build peace, stability, development and prosperity in the regionand around the world.

Established in1967, the 10-member ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.-VNA