10 September 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Kenya Bayani V. Mangibin led the Philippine delegation together with the High Commissioner of Malaysia, the Ambassadors of Indonesia and Thailand and their respective delegations in the commemoration of the 47th Founding Anniversary of ASEAN on August 8.
The ASEAN diplomats held a Flag Raising Ceremony at the Malaysian residence during which they sang the ASEAN anthem followed by the ASEAN hymn, Song of Unity.
In his speech, High Commissioner of Malaysia and current ASEAN-Nairobi Committee Chair Ismail Salam welcomed the guests and the arrival of the Philippine Ambassador to Kenya.
Regarding the ASEAN Integration in 2015 he said that “(a) sense of solidarity has made ASEAN credible in the eyes of the world and ASEAN is now ready to be fully integrated into a community that is outward looking, playing a leading role in the emerging regional architecture.” He also emphasized that the “ASEAN community in Kenya needs to explore ways to strengthen its presence as a regional grouping in this country and to the larger East Africa Economic Community.” To make this possible, the ASEAN community in Nairobi has lined up several program such as media promotions, lecture sessions, meeting with East African representatives in Kenya and an ASEAN Food Festival to be implemented this year.
A breakfast reception was held after the ceremony. END