The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a hoisting ceremony of the ASEAN and Lao flags on Aug. 7 to mark the 45th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and 15 years since Laos became an official member of the regional grouping.

Addressing the event, Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Alounkeo Kittikhoun emphasised that the ASEAN flag symbolises the harmony, stability, solidarity and strength of its member countries.

He added that the flag-hoisting ceremony brought meaning to Laos and other countries to heighten their awareness and understanding of the association, with the aim of establishing an ASEAN Community by 2015 based on three pillars: politic-security community, economic community and socio-cultural community.

The Deputy Foreign Minister also reviewed the 45-year-route of building and developing of ASEAN, saying that the grouping now has become an active and comprehensive cooperation organisation in the region, playing an important role in both the region and the world.

He committed that under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, State and Government, the country will work with other member countries to build the ASEAN Community successfully for the benefit of all people, contributing to protecting peace, stability and development in the region and the world.