25 August 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, as Chair of the ASEAN-Pretoria Committee, hosted a diplomatic reception to celebrate the 48th Anniversary of the Founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on August 13.
In his speech representing the six ASEAN member states who have Embassies in South Africa, Philippine Ambassador Joseph Gerard B. Angeles remarked that the various cultures and traditions of the ten member states of ASEAN have combined to create a uniquely “ASEAN Way”, which, founded on respect and the skilful use of compromise, consensus and consultation, tends to bring people closer together and allows the members to communicate much like a closely-knit family does – quietly and in confidence.
Ambassador Angeles highlighted ASEAN’s ability to stand as one in the face of modern realities facing its more than 600 million people and the capability to have a single voice in all areas of political and security cooperation, economic growth and socio-cultural development which allows the bloc to effectively respond to regional and international issues. Much of this unity can be credited to ASEAN’s emphasis on the need to build, maintain and enhance mutual trust and confidence amongst each other, the exercise of self-restraint from the use of threat or force and the recognition that disputes be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law.
As an example of ASEAN unity and shared values, Ambassador Angeles cited the Joint Communiqué of the recently concluded 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Malaysia on August 04 which unequivocally expressed concern over developments in the South China Sea related to the recent and ongoing land reclamations in the area. The Ambassador quoted the following statement from the Joint Communiqué:
“We discussed extensively the matters relating to the South China Sea and remained seriously concerned over recent and ongoing developments in the area. We took note of the serious concerns expressed by some Ministers on the land reclamations in the South China Sea, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the South China Sea.”
As part of deepening the region’s unity, Ambassador Angeles highlighted the ongoing preparation to finalize the official establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 01 January 2016. In 2014, despite the challenges faced by the global economy, the region grew by 4.4% and enjoyed investments of US$136.2 billion. The realization of the AEC is expected to further increase these numbers and will position the ASEAN region as a more attractive investment destination.
Moreover, ASEAN’s economic reach is indeed worldwide. Despite the distance, ASEAN has a substantial economic footprint in South Africa with trade reaching US$7.7 billion.
The event’s guest of honor, Dr. Anil Sooklal, Deputy Director-General for Asia and the Middle East of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, warmly congratulated ASEAN in its 48th Anniversary and cited ASEAN’s achievements in the past 48 years as an aspiration for the African Union. Dr. Sooklal remarked that while the African Union (AU) was formed four years earlier than ASEAN in 1963, ASEAN is ahead in terms of economic growth and integration and in social and economic development. He noted that there is much that the African Union could learn from the ASEAN experience.
Dr. Sooklal also remarked on the close relationship between the AU and ASEAN and thanked ASEAN for its economic and social development assistance to the region. Dr. Sooklal also touched on the strength of ASEAN-AU people-to-people relations and expressed his hope that the warm relations between our regions will continue to prosper.
The event was attended by members of the diplomatic community, officers of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and other South African government officials, top South African businessmen, and various friends of the ASEAN Missions in Pretoria (Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Viet Nam). END