According to a VNA correspondent in France, on the occasion of the 57th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (August 8, 1967 - August 8, 2023), on the morning of August 8 at its headquarters at 62 Boileau in Paris, the Vietnamese Embassy in France held an ASEAN flag-raising ceremony with the presence of ambassadors of member countries, embassy staff, as well as representatives of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs , and athletes of ASEAN countries participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang, in his capacity as the rotating Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Paris (ACP), emphasized that the celebration is an important occasion for member countries to look back on the challenging and glorious journey that ASEAN has gone through, to pay tribute to the contributions of previous generations, to honor past achievements and to prepare for the future.

Expressing pride in being one of the most dynamic and successful organizations in the world, as well as being the epicenter of growth and the main driving force behind regional cooperation, Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang said that ASEAN has demonstrated its central position and increasing prominence in the region and the world.

The Ambassador stated: “ASEAN has every reason to be proud of being able to maintain a region of peace , stability and cooperation for development, by pursuing friendly relations and cooperation with all peace-loving countries in the world, including France,” and hoped that the ASEAN Association would overcome challenges, reaching higher and further, for the benefit of the people, for peace, stability, friendship and development in the region and the world.

“I believe that all ASEAN countries are in the same boat. Our boat may be buffeted by wind and waves, but when we hold on tight together, it will move forward. We believe that ASEAN will remain a symbol of unity, tireless efforts and strong resilience,” the Ambassador stressed.

On this occasion, Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang expressed his gratitude for France's positive contributions to its relationship with ASEAN over the past decades and hoped that this tradition would continue to be maintained in the coming decades.

The Ambassador stated: “France becoming a Development Partner of ASEAN since March 2021 is an important milestone in the relationship between the two sides. We are very pleased that the ASEAN-France partnership is increasingly developing in a more substantive and effective manner in many areas, better meeting the interests of both sides, as well as the relations between ASEAN and the EU as the two sides will celebrate the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership next year.”

Welcoming the special presence of athletes from many ASEAN countries, participating in the Summer Olympics in France, Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang congratulated them on their success and said: “All of our Southeast Asian athletes have competed resiliently and contributed to the success of the Olympics. We are very proud of your remarkable achievements on the world stage.”

Speaking at the flag-raising ceremony, Lao Ambassador to France Kham-Inh Khitchadeth, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair in 2024, appreciated Vietnam's organization of the event with the presence of all member ambassadors.

Emphasizing the significance of the ASEAN flag, a symbol of unity, solidarity and consensus among member countries, the Ambassador also reiterated some of ASEAN's principles and operating mechanisms.

He affirmed that this organization has always been the main driving force in promoting regional cooperation and has a central role in these cooperation mechanisms. On this occasion, the Lao ambassador also highly appreciated the role of France, a development partner of ASEAN.

With faith in a united and developed community, the Lao Ambassador called: “Let our flag fly high in the sky for a bright and happy future for the people of ASEAN.”

Ms. Myriam Saint-Pierre, Deputy Director General of the Department for Asia and Oceania, on behalf of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, highly appreciated ASEAN as the economic engine of the region, placing multilateralism and cooperation at the heart of its actions, especially in the context of these foundations being threatened. Ms. Myriam Saint-Pierre expressed her desire to develop relations with all countries in the region and with the Association, as part of France's development partnership.

She stressed that the flag-raising ceremony takes place at a historic moment for France and Paris, which is hosting the 33rd Olympic Games in an innovative format, with many events taking place in the city according to sustainable development criteria.

Thanking the close cooperation of ASEAN embassies for contributing to ensuring the success of these Games, the representative of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs also sent congratulations to the athletes and sports delegations from member countries.

She considered the fact that ASEAN countries sent more than 200 athletes to participate in this year's Olympics as evidence of the progress of elite sport and its ability to unite all nations around common values ​​of respect and sharing.

“At a time when we are working to strengthen our cooperation, sports is a great catalyst to enhance exchanges between people, especially between the younger generations. And the upcoming events will be an opportunity to continue our positive momentum and further strengthen our relationship,” she stressed.

Ms. Myriam Saint-pierre expressed her wish to see the contribution of ASEAN countries in events that France will host in the coming time, such as the Francophonie Summit in Villers-Cotterêts in October 2024, and the Artificial Intelligence Summit and the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice in 2025.

Sharing with VNA reporters in France about Vietnam's contributions as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Paris (ACP), Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang said one of the focuses of the APC is to strengthen the partnership between ASEAN and France.

The Committee has organized many activities such as a high-level dialogue with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific region in the current context, as well as the priorities of each side and ways to promote ASEAN-France cooperation; coordinated with the Thai Embassy in France to organize an exchange program, enhance connectivity and promote cooperation between ASEAN countries and the French province of Saône-et-Loire; focused on seeking cooperation opportunities in the fields of enhancing connectivity, responding to environmental issues, climate change, energy transition, digital economy, security cooperation and enhancing the resilience of supply chains.

In addition, APC also pays great attention to promoting the image of Vietnam and ASEAN in France. The Vietnamese Embassy in France has proactively discussed with the French Senate, proposing to coordinate the organization of an exhibition of paintings and photos about ASEAN in 2025 to introduce the country, people, culture and cuisine of ASEAN countries, helping the French people better understand the Southeast Asian region, thereby increasing interest and cooperation.

Another very important activity is to strengthen solidarity and cooperation among ASEAN countries in France. The Ambassador emphasized that for the first time in France, ACP organized the ASEAN flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the organization's founding with the participation of many officials and staff of ASEAN embassies in Paris, representatives of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and some athletes of member countries participating in the Olympics in Paris, which will contribute to strengthening solidarity and unity in the ASEAN community in France.

Affirming that the term of ACP Chairmanship is an important opportunity for Vietnam to continue its central role in ASEAN and promote cooperation between ASEAN and France, the Ambassador wishes to continue building the image of Vietnam as a proactive, active and responsible member, always making every effort for the common work of the community; together with ACP, building the image of ASEAN as united, peaceful, friendly, cooperative and developing together.

The ASEAN Committee in Paris is one of the few ASEAN Committees with the participation of all 10 ASEAN member countries, with the task of promoting relations between ASEAN countries and French politicians, businesses and the public.

During the 4 months of assuming the rotating Chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Paris (May-August 2024), the Vietnamese Embassy in France always adheres to the 2024 theme "ASEAN - Promoting Connectivity and Resilience."

In the spirit of self-reliance to proactively respond to challenges, be ready to welcome opportunities, and always stand firm in the face of all difficulties, ACP has proactively and actively promoted cooperation between ASEAN and France in many fields, from politics, economics to culture./.