HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, on the occasion of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Day extolled the importance of Asean to continue to be a reliable friend by strengthening ties with its many neighbours and partners.
In His Majesty’s Asean Day message, the monarch said: “In celebrating this year’s Asean Day, we commemorate a decision made 50 years ago to strengthen the bonds of regional solidarity and cooperation by establishing Asean to serve as a foundation for common action to promote regional cooperation.
“Over the years, I have personally witnessed Asean’s significant contributions towards peace, progress and prosperity in our region. Asean has become a platform for cooperation and interaction between governments and peoples in the region as well as for our region to engage with the wider world.
“In 1967, few people could have envisioned Asean’s evolution from an association of states to a community. Today, Asean is synonymous with Southeast Asia and is intertwined with our region’s present as well as its future promise.
“As we look towards the future, I believe that it is crucial for Asean to fulfil its aim of being a people-centred community, and bring tangible benefits to them. To help achieve this, we must continue to build regional solidarity and work to realise a community that is cohesive, integrated and responsible.
“In an increasingly inter-dependent world, it is also important for Asean to continue to be a reliable friend by further deepening cooperation with our many neighbours and partners.
“In this regard, we congra-tulate the Philippines on its chairmanship of Asean during this significant year, and express our support to its forward looking theme of ‘Partnering for Change, Engaging the World’.”
In conclusion, His Majesty expressed his best wishes to everyone in Asean for a very happy Asean Day and congratulated everyone on the 50th anniversary of the association.
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