VietNamNet Bridge - ASEAN celebrated its 41st anniversary on August 8 and marked the occasion by a flag hoisting ceremony held at the ASEAN Secretariat in the capital city of Jakarta, Indonesia.

In his speech, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan reviewed the development of the grouping over the past 41 years.

The occasion “is a good time for us to reflect on how far ASEAN has come and the achievements we have made”, he stressed.

“More importantly, it is a day to reaffirm the vision of our founding fathers, that is, a region of peaceful co-existence amidst diversity, and a brighter and more secure future for the people of Southeast Asia,” he added.

The ceremony was attended by ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan, Ambassadors and representatives of ASEAN Member States and ASEAN Dialogue Partners, as well as staff from the ASEAN Secretariat.