ASEAN-Pretoria Committee Commemorates 55th ASEAN Founding Anniversary

Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Noralyn Jubaira Baja (2nd from right) with South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor and other heads of missions of ASEAN member countries in South Africa. (Pretoria PE photo)

PRETORIA 14 September 2022 - The momentous occasion of the 55th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was commemorated by the ASEAN-Pretoria Committee (APC) through a special luncheon held at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria on 12 September 2022.

Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Noralyn Jubaira Baja participated in and joined other APC heads of missions (Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) in welcoming the guest of honor, South African Foreign Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor.

The program included the rendition of the South African national anthem and the ASEAN Hymn and followed by the remarks of Singaporean High Commission Zainal Arif Mantaha and Minister Pandor.

In his capacity as the current APC Chair, High Commissioner Mantaha highlighted the central role of ASEAN in the evolving regional architecture in Southeast Asia and surrounding regions. He particularly welcomed South Africa’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation which is indicative of the country’s intent to enter into a more structured dialogue with ASEAN.

In return, Minister Pandor recognized the accomplishments of ASEAN and described it as a dynamic, evolving and outward-looking organization. She expressed her government’s desire to deepen its engagement with the Southeast Asian region, particularly in priority sectors such as trade and investment and digital technology.

The commemorative lunch was even made more meaningful with the attendance of the Chair of the National Council of Provinces Amos Masondo and other senior officials of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, namely, Deputy Foreign Minister Candith Mashengo-Dlamini, Director General Dane Zangor, Deputy Director General for Asia and the Middle East Zodwa Lallie, and Southeast Asia Director Raymond Medhurst.

Other high-level officials from different government departments in South Africa, as well as heads of missions of dialogue partners (e.g. Australia, China, EU, Russia, South Korea and US) also graced the event.

The luncheon is part of APC’s vigorous efforts to enhance the profile and visibility of ASEAN in South Africa. END

For more information, visit https://www.pretoriape.dfa.gov.ph or https://facebook.com/PHLinSouthAfrica/