A flag-raising ceremony was held on August 8 in Hanoi to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in downtown Hanoi, the ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Vietnamese high-ranking officials, and representatives of ASEAN member states and the bloc’s partner countries.

Speaking at the event, Son said that the establishment of ASEAN set a foundation for regional countries to realize their aspirations for a region of long-term peace, stability, and sustainable and inclusive development.

Given global changes, it’s necessary for the 10-member bloc to promote the ASEAN Centrality and a united and strong regional organization for the sake of nearly 700 million people in the region and the bloc’s partners.

Vietnam vows to join hands with ASEAN member states to build up the ASEAN Community in the spirit of being active, scincere, trustworthy, and responsible.

“I believe that ASEAN, in the coming years, will take off to a new height, better serving the interests of nations, for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and in the world,” Son said.

The event has become tradition among all ASEAN members, symbolizing the solidarity of ASEAN and reflecting the bloc's appreciation for shared values and commitment.

The ASEAN Flag represents a stable, peaceful, united and dynamic ASEAN. The colours of the Flag -- blue, red, white and yellow -- represent the main colours of the emblems of all ASEAN member states. Of which, the blue represents peace and stability. Red depicts courage and dynamism. White shows purity and yellow symbolises prosperity.

The stalks of padi represent the dream of ASEAN’s Founding Fathers for an ASEAN comprising all the countries in Southeast Asia bound together in friendship and solidarity. The circle represents the unity of ASEAN.

ASEAN flag raising ceremony takes place in Hanoi on August 8. Photos: Baoquocte

Vietnam flag raised beside ASEAN's one at  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Vietnam's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son speaks at the event.

Representatives of ASEAN member states and partner countries at the event.