DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
P R E S S  R E L E A S E
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SFA-AGR-731-07                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

RP AMBASSADOR LEADS ASEAN 40TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION    

24 September 2007 – The Philippine Embassy in Caracas reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Philippine Ambassador Ronald B. Allarey and the Heads of Posts of Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, together with the Honorary Consul of Thailand, joined hands in organizing an art exhibit and academic forum, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the ASEAN in Caracas on 18-19 September 2007.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Vladimir Villegas, Vice Foreign Minister for Asia, the Middle East and Oceania, lauded the initiative taken by the Venezuelan ASEAN envoys as a means of bringing Venezuela and Southeast Asia closer together. He stressed that one of the fundamental thrusts of Venezuela ’s foreign policy is rapproachement with Asia, particularly Southeast Asia . He further stated that Venezuela shares identical objectives with ASEAN which includes economic growth, social and cultural development, and the search for peace and stability in the region. Venezuela is also pursuing economic development based on social justice and forging cooperative relationships based on respect and friendship. He emphasized Venezuela ’s current prospects to increase cooperation in energy which should be utilized to liberate the people and foster fair commercial trade.

The Philippine Ambassador described ASEAN’s success which was founded on mutual respect, profound appreciation of their history, culture, heritage and the congruence of their goals and identity of their values. He underscored the spirit of fraternity and consultation which characterizes the daily interactions and dealings between and among the member states, in a collective effort to arrive at a consensus to build a caring and sharing society.  Ambassador Allarey also expressed hope that through the twin activities, the Venezuelans would better understand and appreciate the various aspects of life of the ASEAN family.

During the forum, the ASEAN representatives presented: 1) ASEAN’s history, structure and external relations ( Vietnam ); 2) Political and security aspects ( Indonesia ); 3) Economic projects ( Malaysia ); and 4) Socio-cultural activities ( Philippines ). The guest list included officials of various government agencies and members of the diplomatic corps. Delicacies from ASEAN member countries were served after the discussion and presentation. END.

 

 

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