VOV.VN - The 52nd founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was celebrated by the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations on August 19.

In her address, Chairwoman of the municipal Vietnam – Southeast Asia Friendship Association Phan Thi Hong Xuan highlighted ASEAN as an important and indispensable factor for peace, stability and development in the region, a driving force for dialogues, cooperation and connectivity between member states, as well as expanded collaboration in East Asia, the Asia – Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions. 

 Along with political stature, the regional bloc is seen as a vast and promising market with young population and a network of smart cities that was established in 2018. 

 She expressed her confidence that ASEAN will stand firm in the face of difficulties and go ahead with its successful implementation of set goals towards stronger partnership for sustainability.

 Thai Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Apirat Sugondhabirom applauded Vietnam’s role in carrying out ASEAN’s 2019 theme “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability”. 

He said he hopes that Vietnam would successfully assume the role as Chair of ASEAN, and hold ASEAN Summit and related meetings next year. 

 Thailand pledges to support Vietnam in its capacity as ASEAN Chair and foster partnerships to deliver benefits to people in the ASEAN Community. ASEAN is developing itself into the world’s sixth largest economy and is destined to become the fourth largest by 2030, he said. 

 On the occasion, the municipal Vietnam – Southeast Asia Friendship Association presented 45 scholarships to poor students with good academic performance in the city.