‎ASEAN Marks 59th Founding Anniversary in Dhaka, Highlights Growing Partnership with Bangladesh

Photo: CNI

Diplomatic Correspondent: The 59th Anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was celebrated in Dhaka on Monday with a reception highlighting ASEAN’s enduring commitment to unity, cooperation, friendship and regional partnership, as well as the growing relationship between ASEAN and Bangladesh.
‎The reception was hosted by H.E. Mohd Shuhada Othman, Chairman of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC), and attended by senior government representatives, ASEAN Heads of Mission, diplomats, distinguished guests and representatives from various sectors.
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‎Addressing the gathering, H.E. Mohd Shuhada Othman said the occasion was an opportunity not only to celebrate ASEAN’s remarkable 59-year journey but also to reaffirm the values that have continued to bind its member states together.
‎“Today we celebrate not only the remarkable journey of ASEAN over the past 59 years, but also the enduring values of unity, cooperation and friendship that continue to bind our region together,” he said.
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‎Reflecting on ASEAN’s establishment in 1967, the ADC Chairman said the regional grouping, guided by the principles of mutual respect, consensus and cooperation, has made significant contributions to regional peace and stability, promoted economic integration and fostered closer relations among its member states.

‎He also underscored ASEAN’s growing partnerships with countries around the world, including Bangladesh.
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‎H.E. Mohd Shuhada Othman expressed appreciation to the Chief Guest, H.E. Mohammad Amin Rashid, Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, for attending the celebration and contributing to the occasion through a distinctive example of “food diplomacy.”
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‎Guests were introduced to a special Kacchi Biryani prepared with Bangladesh’s renowned Black Bengal goat, which the ASEAN Dhaka Committee Chairman described as a memorable way of celebrating ASEAN Day while showcasing Bangladesh’s rich culinary heritage and one of its treasured local products.
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‎He noted that such initiatives demonstrate that diplomacy extends beyond government-to-government relations and also plays an important role in bringing people and cultures closer together.
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‎The ADC Chairman also highlighted the importance of Bangladesh’s engagement with Southeast Asia, noting that stronger high-level exchanges with ASEAN member states demonstrate Bangladesh’s interest in deepening its partnership with the regional bloc.
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‎With a population of more than 680 million and some of the world’s most dynamic economies, ASEAN offers enormous opportunities for cooperation, he said. Bangladesh, with its large and youthful population, growing skills and aspirations, also brings considerable strengths to the partnership.
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‎He said the ASEAN Dhaka Committee remains firmly committed to strengthening the long-standing relationship between ASEAN and Bangladesh through collective activities, engagements and outreach programmes.
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‎Throughout the year, ASEAN missions in Bangladesh have worked to bring ASEAN closer to the Bangladeshi people while increasing awareness of opportunities for cooperation between the two regions.
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‎H.E. Mohd Shuhada Othman identified trade and investment, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges as key areas with substantial potential for further collaboration.
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‎“We value Bangladesh as a close friend and an increasingly important partner in South Asia,” he said, adding that ASEAN and Bangladesh can complement each other’s strengths and create mutually beneficial opportunities contributing to shared prosperity.
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‎He expressed confidence that the positive momentum in ASEAN-Bangladesh relations would continue and that the partnership would deepen further in the years ahead.
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‎Concluding his remarks, H.E. Mohd Shuhada Othman thanked members of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee and its working group for their dedication and efforts in organising the anniversary celebration.
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‎The reception brought together members of the diplomatic community and other distinguished guests in a celebration of ASEAN’s 59 years of progress, regional solidarity and cooperation, while reaffirming the shared commitment to stronger ASEAN-Bangladesh relations.