54th Anniversary: SG Sends Message on Occasion of the Founding of ASEAN

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing sent a message on the 54th Anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In his message, the Senior General extends his warmest greetings and best wishes to the fellow citizens and to the peoples of ASEAN across the region.

Along the arduous journey, ASEAN has passed through many difficulties and challenges, ranging from the financial crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic today. After having passed over half a century, ASEAN has made many achievements despite obstacles. The collective effort of ASEAN has paved the way for ASEAN to overcome these challenges.

But there remains many more to be done, and the unified will and collective effort among ASEAN Member States must continue to preserve the identity of ASEAN – “unity in diversity”. In this ever evolving regional architecture with rising strategic competitions and diverse interests among countries, the fundamental principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) remain important for the conduct of interstate relations.

Above all, the ASEAN spirit of unity and the ASEAN way of 2C – “consultation and consensus” must be preserved. The elevation of ASEAN-EU dialogue partnership into a strategic level also proves that ASEAN treasures its relations with its partners.

To expand ASEAN’s wings across the world, ASEAN has stationed the ASEAN Committees in Third Countries and International Organizations (ACTCs). Since the COVID-19 pandemic is the immediate challenge, ASEAN will continue to prioritize its efforts in the fight against the virus from spreading in the region and swiftly recovery from its multiple impacts.

 As a responsible Member State of ASEAN, Myanmar has been working hand-in-hand with ASEAN as guided by the theme “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper” formulated by 2021 ASEAN Chair. Now is the right time for ASEAN Community to care and to share for each other.