The embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Doha on Sunday hosted an event at its premises to celebrate this year’s Asean Day, which marks the 53rd Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) since its formation on August 8, 1967.
The 10 member states of Asean are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The celebration was attended by the Asean Committee in Doha (ACD), comprising the seven embassies of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The highlight of the event was the hoisting of the Asean flag, accompanied by the playing of the Asean anthem titled 'The Asean Way'.
Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs Protocol Department director Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro attended the event. Speaking on the occasion, Mohamed Bahrin Abu Bakar, ambassador of Brunei Darussalam and chairman of the Asean Committee in Doha (ACD) this year, said that against the current backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, the theme for Asean's 53rd anniversary this year puts focus on Asean’s cohesive journey towards resilience.
"Asean secretary-general Lim Jock Hoi has also pointed out the significance for Asean to develop a robust, holistic and pragmatic post-pandemic recovery framework to mitigate the socio-economic effects of the pandemic on its people, while continuing to advance Asean’s regional economic integration," the envoy said.
The Asean Flag being hoisted during the Asean Day at the embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Doha
"Through the Declaration of the Special Asean Summit on Covid-19, Asean leaders have demonstrated their collective will and shared commitment to strengthen solidarity, enhance co-operation and mutual support among Asean Member States, with external partners and the international community, in the fight against Covid-19.
"Asean Member States have also expressed commitment to work on mitigating the multi-faceted impact of the pandemic, while working toward a comprehensive post-pandemic recovery plan for Asean.
During a virtual meeting of Asean Economic Ministers on August 25, it was highlighted that the Asean economy performed well in 2019, growing by 4.6% amidst continued trade tensions and heightened uncertainties, but they also recognised that a recession is anticipated this year as the Covid-19 pandemic considerably impacts upon economic activities in the region and worldwide.
The chairman of the ACD also noted that Qatar has been exemplary in showing how important it is for countries to continue working together in overcoming and addressing the global pandemic and its impact. "The ACD commends the efforts of Qatar under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, in managing the Covid-19 crisis since this unprecedented outbreak began," he added.