HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and his spouse chaired a ceremony in Hà Nội today to mark the 50th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and 22 years of Việt Nam’s accession to the bloc.

The PM highlighted the achievements of the 10-nation bloc over the past half century that have made it a strong and united community with rules-based operations and extensive connectivity, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.

ASEAN has an increasing role and position in the region and beyond, he said, adding that the association is also playing a crucial role in the evolving regional architecture.

With a population of over 630 million and total gross domestic product (GDP) of nearly US$2.6 trillion per year, ranking sixth in the world, along with a peaceful and stable environment, ASEAN is a showcase of economic cooperation in the Asia–Pacific region and the world at large.

“The achievements that ASEAN has gained over the past 50 years are huge, creating a firm foundation for the development of the ASEAN Community and the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025,” he said.

Phúc also thanked the bloc’s partners, international organisations and friends for their cooperation and support for ASEAN member states, and expressed his hope that the ambassadors and officials of the international organisations would continue acting as an effective bridge for their countries and organisations with Việt Nam and ASEAN.

Addressing the ceremony, Philippine Ambassador to Việt Nam Noel Servigon stressed that one of ASEAN’s big achievements over the past five decades was its development from a five-nation grouping into a strong bloc, acknowledged and respected globally.

He praised Việt Nam’s organisation of numerous activities to mark ASEAN’s 50th founding anniversary and informed participants about the successful outcomes of the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila. He also congratulated Việt Nam on its 22 years of membership in the bloc. — VNS