09 08 2016 - Danas Daily Newspaper (one of the most reputable dailies in Serbia) published the article titled:
ASEAN CAN BE MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN THE EU
The 49th Anniversary of the Assoication of Southeast Asian Nations was marked in Belgrade
Belgrade – Intensifying of cooperation with Serbia, as well as Serbia’s joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (ASEAN) is welcomed by the ASEAN member countries – the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Serbia Harry Richard James Kandou said yesterday.
At the celebration of the 49th Anniversary of ASEAN, Ambassador Kandou pledged for further strengthening of cooperation between the ASEAN and Serbia, taking new creative approaches, increased engagement of the private sector and fostering the ties in the fields of culture, tourism and economy.
The ASEAN was founded on 8th August 1967 in Bangkok, state capital of Thailand, when the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the countries founders – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand signed the ASEAN Declaration. Later, Brunai, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia have joined ASEAN.
Kadou, representative of the of the biggest ASEAN member country with the highest population pointed out that the ASEAN is a truly attractive economic partner. Measured by gross domestic product, 10 ASEAN member countries combined make the seventh largest economy in the world, which could become the fourth largest after China, the United States and India by 2050.
With the population of more than 622 million, the ASEAN, which started to function as an economic community of its member countries, is potentially bigger market than the EU or the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Those accomplishments and figures, as well as the ASEAN’s central geographical position in the region indicate how politically wise is for the countries seeking cooperation with other key players in Asia and outside, to strengthen their cooperation with the ASEAN – Kandou underlined.
The ASEAN flag raising ceremony, held at the compound of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia yesterday, was attended by high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Heads of Missions and representatives of the Asia-Pacific Embassies in Belgrade, as well as the friend of the ASEAN countries.
Author: Borislav Korkodelovic
Embassy of Malaysia in Belgrade thanks Danas Daily for the media coverage.