Flag-raising ceremony marks ASEAN’s 58th founding anniversary

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a flag-hoisting ceremony in Hanoi on August 8 to mark the 58th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (August 8, 1967 2025).

Present at the ceremony were Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang, ambassadors and representatives from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners, along with leaders of ministries and agencies.

The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vu stressed the special significance of this year’s event, which also marks the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Community and 30 years of Vietnam’s accession to the bloc. For Vietnam, the anniversary takes place as the country looks toward two centenary milestones the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 2030 and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, in 2045. These goals, he said, reflect Vietnam’s aspiration to become a strong, prosperous nation that meaningfully contributes to ASEAN’s shared prosperity.

Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

Vu, on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and the Government, extended congratulations to ASEAN for nearly six decades of unity, sustainable development, and making Southeast Asia a beacon of regional cooperation.

He underlined the importance of ASEAN centrality in the today complex world, saying that only through ASEAN’s central role can the group maintain stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia.

Vu highlighted ASEAN’s key achievements over the past 58 years, including a peaceful and stable political environment, strengthened regional economic integration with sustainable, inclusive growth, adaptability to emerging trends, and a people-centred community spirit.

Looking ahead, he said, the planned admission of Timor-Leste in this October, under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, will mark a historic expansion, further strengthening the bloc’s unity and collective voice.

Commending Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” Vu affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to work closely with ASEAN members and partners to advance regional priorities and shape a future of peace, stability, and prosperity.

“The ASEAN flag flying today is a powerful symbol of the bloc’s central role in shaping Southeast Asia’s future, for the prosperity of its 700 million people,” he said.