On Monday, 18 November 2014, the High Commission of Malaysia organized the 1st ASEAN-Nairobi Committee Media Briefing at the Intercontinental Hotel Nairobi, Kenya. The briefing was attended by around 10 guests from 5 print and electronic media houses. ASEAN Ambassadors involved in the Media Briefing were the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, High Commissioner of Malaysia, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand.
2. The ASEAN Ambassadors presented their insights on the Chairman’s Statement on the 25th ASEAN Summit held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on 12 – 13 November 2014.
3. Among salient points made by the ASEAN Ambassadors during the briefing are as follows:
3.1 The theme “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” symbolizes ASEAN’s readiness to move to next level in it’s economic, social and political development;
3.2 Introducing ASEAN as platform for South East Asian region to accelerate economic, social and cultural development in the region, promote regional peace and stability, encourage active collaboration and mutual assistance among Member States as well as maintaining closer cooperation with other regional and international organisations;
3.3 ASEAN contributed to the healthy development of global community, socially responsible, free of conflict and economically vibrant which bring it closer to the people of the region making it a people-centered organisation that is caring and socially responsible;
3.4 ASEAN strives to work together towards the realisation of the people’s aspirations of good governance, transparency, higher standards of living, promote sustainable development, further empower women and provide greater opportunity for all;
3.5 ASEAN need to explore ways to strengthen its presence as a regional grouping in Kenya as well as the East Africa region. A closer cooperation between Members and host countries is needed to ensure efforts to promote ASEAN in this region a success. The Media Briefing is one of the initial efforts to encourage promotion of ASEAN in Kenya; and
3.6 ASEAN should continue to remain an important vehicle in the effort to ensure continuous peace, stability and prosperity. The creation of an ASEAN Economic Community in 2015 is something to look forward to as part of the efforts to harmonize trade and expanding economic development in the region. Closer collaborations can provide vast opportunities and each member-state can take advantage of that potential which in the end will benefit the people of ASEAN.
4. The briefing ended with simple refreshments and H.E High Commissioner of Malaysia on behalf of the ASEAN-Nairobi Community takes the opportunity to thank all media representatives for their time attending one of the most significant events for ASEAN this year.
Video coverage on this briefing can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44ooNenJ54I
