PRESS RELEASE
WDC-62-2024
09 August 2024
Embassy Press and Information Section
The ASEAN Committee in Washington D.C. commemorated the 57th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on 08 August with a call to unity amidst pressing regional and global challenges.
In remarks delivered on behalf of the group, Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez underscored the need for ASEAN to stand united in addressing current challenges.
“As ASEAN marks its 57th anniversary, we hope that ASEAN will continue its role as a driver for peace, stability and prosperity throughout its region, and throughout the world. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for ASEAN to work together and stand united to address the challenges of our time,” Ambassador Romualdez said.
He also highlighted ASEAN’s successes throughout the years including serving as a platform for the major powers to engage one another that also helped keep the regional grouping relevant, as well as ASEAN Centrality that has successfully balanced the national interests of its member states and the interest of the region.
“This symbiotic ecosystem has led to the evolution of a two-tiered structure of interests. This is a critical factor of ASEAN’s durability,” he added.
From an economic standpoint, Ambassador Romualdez said ASEAN has played a pivotal role in the region, with the group presently having a combined GDP of USD3.2 trillion and a combined market of 670 million people. END