Malaysia marked ASEAN’s 59th founding anniversary with a celebration in Putrajaya, highlighting the regional bloc’s nearly six decades of partnership, contribution and commitment among Southeast Asian nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the ASEAN Day celebration on Monday, officiated by Foreign Affairs Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, with about 300 guests in attendance.
Held under the theme “59 Years of Navigating Together”, the event highlighted ASEAN’s continued focus on strengthening regional ties through its three key pillars of political-security, economic and socio-cultural cooperation.
The celebration brought together Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from international organisations and the media.
The ministry said the occasion provided an opportunity to showcase Malaysia’s role and longstanding engagement with ASEAN while reflecting the bloc’s shared commitment to strengthening solidarity and resilience across Southeast Asia.
ASEAN was founded on Aug 8, 1967 and now comprises 11 member states, with Timor-Leste becoming its newest member.
