New Delhi, Aug 8 (NationPress) Simon Wong, Singapore's High Commissioner to India, marked the occasion of 'ASEAN Day' on Friday with the ASEAN New Delhi Committee (ANDC). The event included a ceremony for raising the ASEAN flag, followed by a video message from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

In a statement on X, Wong expressed, "Thrilled to commemorate ASEAN Day with our ANDC Family in New Delhi, featuring the ASEAN Flag Raising Ceremony and a video from Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim. Special thanks to the Malaysian High Commission for the arrangements - HC Wong."

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded in Bangkok in August 1967 through the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (also known as the Bangkok Declaration) by its founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999. The current members of ASEAN are: Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In the previous month, Malaysia took on the chairmanship of the ASEAN New Delhi Committee for a term of six months. The transition of leadership to Malaysia occurred during the 126th Meeting of the ANDC, which is set to oversee its responsibilities from July to December.

The 126th Meeting of the ANDC convened on July 9, led by the Laos Ambassador to India, Bounmy Vanmy, who will serve as Chair for the January–June 2025 term, as stated by the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi.

Attendees included ASEAN Heads of Mission and representatives based in New Delhi. The meeting was an essential platform for sharing updates on bilateral relations and reviewing activities spearheaded by Laos during its leadership tenure. Malaysia is eager to play a significant role in enhancing ASEAN solidarity and ASEAN-India cooperation as it leads the ANDC for the upcoming six months.