Ambassadors and other embassy officials at the event. RIGHT: PSD principal Alexander Acosta speaking at the event.

By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

School officials and diplomats from seven embassies in Doha led the 46th Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) Day celebrations on Thursday morning at the Philippine School of
Doha (PSD).
Dubbed as “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”, the event was highlighted by cultural performances by students enthralling the audience with region’s traditional songs
and dances.
In his speech, Vietnam ambassador Le Hong Phan lauded the efforts of PSD in celebrating the annual event which he considers “a very significant contribution to the promotion of Asean and of the friendly relations between Asean communities and the
Qatari people.”
Founded on August 8, 1967, the organisation aims to hasten the economic growth, social progress and cultural
development in the region.
“After 46 years of efforts from its establishment, Asean has become an important political and economic entity, playing a central role for peace, security and development in Southeast Asia, and an indispensable partner of major countries and organisations in the world,” Phan said.
Describing it as one of the most dynamic organisations in the world today, the ambassador noted that Asean has a combined population of 617mn people and a GDP of $2.3tn. He said it is also one of the fastest growing regions in the world with average annual economic growth of 7.5%.
“With its great achievements, Asean is proudly moving forward in the establishment of an Asean Community by 2015,” he added.
Phan also mentioned the establishment of the Asean Committee in Doha (ACD) comprised of seven missions - Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.
Vice consul Ekaphat Premyodhin at the Thai embassy vowed to maintain its active role in enhancing and strengthening the co-operation and relationship among Asean countries.
According to sources, ACD will hold various events and activities in the coming months to help in enhancing the mutual understanding among Asean communities in Qatar. Formed in December 2011, it also aims to strengthen the friendly relations among Asean countries and the State of Qatar in all fields.
Meanwhile, PSD principal Alexander Acosta has reiterated the role of the youth in strengthening mutual co-operation in the region.
He added: “The Asean Day celebrations had become part of their annual events in the school.”