Deputy PM attends inauguration for new ASEAN Secretariat building in Jakarta

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh attended a ceremony to mark the 52nd anniversary of the ASEAN and inaugurate a new building of the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia on August 8.

Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh puts the message from PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc into the Future Message Box at the new ASEAN Secretariat building. (Photo: MOFA)
Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh puts the message from PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc into the Future Message Box at the new ASEAN Secretariat building. (Photo: MOFA)

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Indonesian President Joko Widodo emphasised the significance and symbol of the new building which reflect the vitality and self-reliance of ASEAN in a new era.

President Joko also appreciated ASEAN's solidarity, creativity and flexibility as well as ASEAN's commitments to promoting dialogue and cooperation for a peaceful, open, transparent and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

ASEAN General Secretary Lim Jock Hoi said that this is an opportunity for ASEAN members to review their achievements and look toward the future as well as join hands for a common home, acting towards the people and putting people at the centre. The Secretary General also said that ASEAN has brought about many practical benefits to its Community and for the region.

On behalf of Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh joined other ASEAN Foreign Ministers to put a Future Message Box at the new building of the ASEAN Secretariat where it will keep the message for future generations of ASEAN leaders.

This message will be announced in 2042 on the 75th anniversary of ASEAN (August 8, 1967-2042).

On this occasion, Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh presented the new ASEAN Secretariat building with a lacquerpainting entitled "Vietnam Golden Bamboo" by painter Bui Huu Hung.

According to the ASEAN Secretariat, the new building, which is funded by the Indonesian Government, will be put into use in 2019.