Preserve fine traditions of ASEAN among member states

Since its inception, ASEAN has played a pivotal role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across Southeast Asia. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout its evolution, ASEAN has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability in navigating complex geopolitical and socio-economic landscapes within the region and beyond.
Over the past 57 years, ASEAN has successfully realized the vision of its founding fathers, emerging as one of the world’s most successful intergovernmental organizations. The member states have remained united in adhering to the disciplines, rules, and regulations enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, which serves as the foundation for fostering regional peace and prosperity.
As a rules-based community, ASEAN is deeply committed to the principles outlined in its foundational documents, including the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). The association prioritizes a people-centred, people-oriented approach, ensuring that the voices and participation of all stakeholders are integral to the ASEAN Community-building process.
In response to the rapidly changing geopolitical and economic environments, ASEAN recognizes the need to be resilient, responsive, well-connected, and competitive. The theme for the 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship, “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” aptly reflects these priorities. Member states are also diligently working to finalize the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which aims to create a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN that meets the aspirations of its citizens.
ASEAN member states focused on implementing the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) to address the challenges posed by supply chain disruptions. This initiative seeks to boost cross-border e-commerce and digital trade, thereby empowering businesses and stakeholders across the region.
From 2021 to 2024, Myanmar has successfully served as the coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, strengthening the partnership between ASEAN and China. This collaboration has contributed significantly to regional peace, stability, and prosperity through comprehensive mechanisms established across the three community pillars. Building on this momentum, Myanmar will assume the role of coordinator for ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Relations from 2024 to 2027.
ASEAN continues to uphold its fine traditions of cooperation and mutual respect among member states, ensuring that the region remains a beacon of peace, stability, and prosperity in an increasingly complex global environment. On this auspicious occasion of the 57th anniversary, which falls on 8 August 2024, ASEAN should further strengthen its unity by creating one community in this corner of the world. While fulfilling the purposes and principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, ASEAN Member States need to work together to render constructive support to each other and address internal matters smoothly.