08 August 2019, Dili, Timor-Leste – The Dili-based ASEAN Embassies, namely, Royal Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam celebrated today the 52nd Anniversary of Founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the Embassy Compound of Thailand at Avenida de Portugal, Motael, Dili, Timor-Leste.
The ceremony commenced at 8:00 a.m. with the rendition of the national anthem of Timor-Leste “Patria-Patria,” and followed by the ASEAN Hymn which successfully delivered by the TL Hosana Choir. After the flag-raising ceremony, H.E. Sahat Sitorus, Indonesian Ambassador and Dean of ASEAN Chiefs of Mission in Timor-Leste, delivered the opening remarks, where he mentioned the many accomplishments of the regional grouping particularly in the matter of the three (3) pillars of integration as embodied in the ASEAN Charter. He also reported that the occasion is almost simultaneous with the ceremonial opening of the new ASEAN Office of the Secretary-General in Jakarta, Indonesia at 10:00 a.m. also today. Also gracing event was in the person of Guest of Honor, H.E. Dionisio Babo Soares, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
For its part, H.E. Dionisio Babo Soares, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation delivered his message where he spelled out the very good and cordial relations between his country and the ASEAN in almost all fields of co-existence. He likewise reminded the five ASEAN Ambassadors that Timor-Leste’s application for membership in ASEAN has been lodged more than eight years ago and that his country is keen of its acceptance to the regional grouping. Along this line, Mr. Soares made a pronouncement that Timor-Leste will not be a burden to the Association but rather a good and cooperative partner-member in all the pillars of cooperation.
The program ended at about 9:15 in the morning followed by the reception where every ASEAN Embassies in Dili offered their own food and delicacies to the merriment of all attendees including song performances from TL Hosana Choir.
H.E. Sahat Sitorus, Indonesian Ambassador and Dean of ASEAN Chiefs of Mission in Timor Leste, delivers his remarks for the 52nd ASEAN Day Celebration at the Royal Thai Embassy with the Guest of Honor, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, H.E. Dionisio Babo Soares.
ASEAN Ambassadors with the Timor Leste’s Government Officials
Dili-based ASEAN Embassies with Diplomatic Corps, Government Officials and other dignitaries.
ASEAN Food sharing for on-lookers.
-END-