1 September 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Italy Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr joined the other ASEAN Heads of Mission in Rome on August 19, in celebrating the 47th Anniversary of ASEAN. Indonesian Ambassador to Italy August Parengkuan, who is also the current Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Rome (ACR), hosted the celebration.

The 47th ASEAN Anniversary was commemorated with the singing of the ASEAN Hymn and a speech from Ambassador Parengkuan. In his remarks, Ambassador Parengkuan, recalled the establishment of the ASEAN Committee in Rome exactly three years ago when all ASEAN Heads of Mission at that time agreed to formalize the creation of the Committee. The ceremony was concluded with a toast.

It was immediately followed by the first regular meeting of the ACR under the Indonesian chairmanship. The ASEAN Heads of Mission discussed the program of activities from August 2014 to January 2015. For the next six months, the ACR will hold an ASEAN Sports Day, a business visit to Venice, and monthly ACR Luncheons with guests of honor from the Italian government. ACR aims to promote and increase awareness on the ASEAN Community among the Italian public.

The Philippines held the ACR Chairmanship from January to August 2013.  END