Cambodian Envoy: Asean Getting Stronger Over The Years

JAKARTA, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has become stronger and more resilient over the past years, according to Cambodian Ambassador for Asean Kan Pharidh.

"We have witnessed Asean transforming itself in order to be stronger and more resilient to global challenges. I am confident that we will realise our goal of forming the Asean Community by 2015," ANTARA news agency quoted Kan as saying. Kan, who also represents Cambodia as this year`s Asean chairman, made the statement after attending the organisation's 45th anniversary event at its secretariat here on Wednesday.

"However, Asean still has a lot to achieve. It has to be a more people-centred organisation and the development gaps among Asean member states must be reduced," he added.

Meanwhile, Asean Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan stated that the organisation had many more goals to accomplish. He also praised the Asean dialogue partners -- the United States, China, Japan, India, Canada, the European Union, South Korea, Russia, Australia and New Zealand -- for their cooperation over the past years.

"Today`s celebration is also a chance for Asean`s dialogue partners to renew their vows to work closely with the organization, which has a lot to accomplish in the coming years," he said.

The Asean was established on August 8, 1967. It consists of 10 member states: Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.

-- BERNAMA