HM's ASEAN Day message

ASEAN Day is a special moment in the year when the member states of our regional association honour the vision and wisdom of the founding fathers who signed the Bangkok Declaration 45 years ago today, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (pic, R) said yesterday.

In the monarch's ASEAN Day message, His Majesty said "We celebrate more than a moment in history. We reaffirm the principles, values and common understandings that have shaped the association's work over the 45 years". "Together, these have made Southeast Asia more than a geographical location. They have defined its people as a community of nations with an approach to regional and international affairs that transcend different histories and backgrounds," the monarch said. His Majesty said the result has been a recognition of common interests, a search for shared agreement through consultation and consensus, and a deep respect for each other.

"This is what has made ASEAN unique. It is why Brunei is proud to be a member and, above all else, it is what we celebrate on ASEAN Day," he added.

His Majesty added that Brunei is looking forward to next year when we will have the honour of being the association's chairman.

"We will be working with our partners to do all we can to strengthen and deepen the feelings among the six hundred million people of our region that ASEAN offers them hope, confidence and purpose as they face the challenges and demands of the modern world," he said.

His Majesty added, "In this spirit, the people of Brunei Darussalam join me in sending our warmest ASEAN Day greetings to our respected friends and neighbours throughout the region".(RSH1)

The Brunei Times