48th ASEAN Day Celebration

The 48^th Anniversary of ASEAN was celebrated on Monday, 10 August 2015 at the ASEAN Secretariat Jakarta from 10am – 1pm. The Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Le Luong Minh, other Cabinet Ministers, the Governor of Jakarta, the diplomatic community and other business leaders graced the event.

The welcoming remarks were made by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Le Luong Minh, saying that “After 48 years of evolution and development, by the end of this year, we shall be realizing the dream of an ASEAN Community where our people are bound together in friendship, cooperation, peace, freedom and prosperity in a Community of opportunities”.

His Excellency also added that “It has been estimated that 15 years into the Community, by 2030, ASEAN will become the fourth largest economy in the world. Intra-ASEAN trade will increase from less than 25% of the total at present to 30% five years after the AEC is launched, by 2020”.

Ms. Gesille S. Buot, Managing Director of ASEAN Public Relations Network and Ms. Sweeta Melanie, Deputy Managing Director of ASEAN Public Relations Network with Mrs. Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Indonesia at the 48th Anniversary of ASEAN celebration event

The Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Jusuf Kalla also gave remarks by congratulating ASEAN on its 48^th Anniversary. “ASEAN remains the cornerstone of Indonesian foreign policy and Indonesia will continue to do its utmost to support the development of ASEAN. Indonesia is particularly committed to realize an ASEAN that is people-driven, people-centred and people-oriented. The full participation of the wider ASEAN public, including businesses and civil societies, is critical to realizing the ASEAN Community” said H.E. Jusuf Kalla in his speech at the event.

The Vice President also paid tribute to the Secretary General and dedicated staff of the ASEAN Secretariat for the diligence and hard work in helping to build the ASEAN Community.

Another highlight of the event was the presentation of the joint issue of ASEAN Community stamp. For the first time, all 10 Member States launched a common stamp and post mark designs to highlight the arrival of ASEAN Community. The designs came from a region-wide competition won by Viet Nam. The competition was organised by Thailand Post as Chair of ASEAN Post this year.

ASEAN puppetry performance from all ASEAN countries

The programme also featured ASEAN’s cultural treasures such as ASEAN puppetry with colourful performers from all ten countries represented and Batik with ASEAN motif. (taken from http://www.asean.org/news/asean-secretariat-news/item/asean-celebrates-2015-community-with-stakeholders)