Flag-raising ceremony in Cuba marks ASEAN’s 57 anniversary

Along with ambassadors of the member countries, the event saw the participation of representatives from the embassies of China, Japan, and Timor-Leste, as well as representatives of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP).

As part of his address, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long, rotating chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Cuba, highlighted the spirit of co-operation, friendship, and solidarity of the ASEAN community over the past decades, applauding the bloc’s core values of peace, stability, and prosperity through solidarity and collaboration.

The bloc will welcome Timor-Leste as its 11th member, he said, adding that this is also a testament to ASEAN's commitment to comprehensive ties in the region.

In Cuba, the ASEAN Committee has worked hand in hand to promote the interests of the member countries, as well as the community's solidarity for the causes of peace, development, and happiness of the people both in Southeast Asia and in Cuba.

Regarding the ASEAN-Cuba ties, Ambassador Long emphasized that the relationship is based on mutual respect, solidarity, and a shared vision for the future.

In November, 2020, Cuba became the first Caribbean country to sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). This important step underscores Cuba’s commitment to promoting peace and co-operation within the region.

He noted that Cuba performed as an observer at the 44th Session of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in 2023, highlighting the Caribbean island nation’s desire to strengthen relations with ASEAN and contribute to regional stability.

The diplomat also took the opportunity to extend his thanks to the ASEAN dialogue partners, namely China and Japan, for their important contributions made to the bloc's success.

For his part, Ariel Lorenzo Rodríguez, director of Asia and Oceania Division under the General Division of Bilateral Affair of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke highly of the solidarity, friendship, and increasing role of ASEAN in the international arena.

He affirmed that Cuba always places importance on relations with ASEAN member states, standing ready to co-operate with ASEAN in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, language training, culture, sports, and climate change response.

As part of this occasion, the ASEAN Committee in Cuba launched a group walk and activities for children to further reinforce solidarity and friendship.