Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Message from Senior General Min Aung Hlaing,
Chairman of the State Administration Council
on the occasion of the 54th Anniversary of ASEAN
8 August 2021
Today marks the 54th Anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN was established with a common desire and collective will to live together in a region of lasting peace, security and stability, sustained economic growth, and shared prosperity and social progress. On this auspicious day, I have the pleasure to extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to our fellow citizens and to the peoples of ASEAN across the region.
It is a timely opportunity for us to reflect on the journey of how far ASEAN has come to be where we are today. Today, ASEAN has evolved from an “association” of five countries to a “community” of full-fledge regional organization comprising ten Member States. Indeed, it did not come thus far easily. Along the arduous journey, ASEAN has passed through many difficulties and challenges, ranging from the financial crisis to the COVID-19 global 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”.
Since its inception on 8 August 1967, ASEAN has successfully evolved into a rules-based regional organization, giving legal personality in the pursuit of its purposes and principles as enshrined in the ASEAN Charter. 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 inter-state relations. Above all, the ASEAN spirit of unity and the ASEAN way of 2C – “consultation and consensus” must be preserved.
We are encouraged by the increasing number of parties to the TAC as well as growing number of interested countries to establish partnership with ASEAN. This reflects trust, confidence and respect on ASEAN’s norms and values by others. On the other hand, the enhanced partnership with its dialogue partners, for example, the elevation of ASEAN-EU dialogue partnership into a strategic level also proves that ASEAN treasures its relations with its partners. In engaging with external partners, we are committed to pursue our efforts to upholding ASEAN centrality and unity.
To expand ASEAN’s wings across the world, ASEAN has stationed the ASEAN Committees in Third Countries and International Organizations (ACTCs). To date, there are fiftyfour ACTCs that have been formally established in the national capitals and other key cities across the world. These committees are functioning to promote ASEAN’s interests and identity and to facilitate in strengthening ASEAN’s relations with external partners through closed engagement with respective host countries and in bridging ASEAN with the rest of the world.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic is the immediate challenge that we all are facing at hand, 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. We are confident that collective efforts will enable ASEAN to overcome the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. Myanmar has contributed US$- 100,000 dollars to COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. Once all the tasks are completed, ASEAN will be able to deliver the benefits of this initiative to the peoples, at its earliest possible.
While staying focused on current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must also continue our efforts on regional integration which is the key aspect for the success of ASEAN Community building effort as well as for a better future for international community at-large.
The far-reaching insights and aspirations of ASEAN founding fathers paved the way for ASEAN to become a rules-based, vibrant and thriving regional organization. Today, it is up to the people of ASEAN to see how the future of ASEAN will be written. For Myanmar, we remain firmly committed to work with ASEAN and its peoples to ensure a successful ASEAN Community building and regional integration. Now is the right time for ASEAN Community to care and to share for each other. With this, I would like to encourage our fellow citizens to actively join us in pursuing ASEAN’s aspirations.