His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a message in conjunction with ASEAN Day said that ASEAN will continue to prepare for future challenges through collective and coordinated efforts with all partners. In the titah, His Majesty said that as 2021 marks the 54th year since the inception of ASEAN, the commemoration of ASEAN Day gives an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the Association and contemplate on how best to realise a politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible, and truly people-oriented, people-centred ASEAN. ASEAN Day is celebrated every 8th of August.
His Majesty in the titah said that this is a special occasion for Brunei Darussalam, as Chair of ASEAN this year under the theme of “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper”, with focus on mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring that the ASEAN Community continues to prosper.
While the pandemic continues to adversely affect the region, His Majesty in his titah added that ASEAN is working closely amongst its members and with external partners to advance the region’s recovery by caring for the people including by securing vaccines, enabling safe travel ad restarting economic activities through innovative ways.
During such challenging times, it is especially crucial that ASEAN Centrality and unity is upheld which serves the interest of all ASEAN Member States and their people so that no one is left behind.
It is only through close cooperation and coordination that ASEAN will be able to resolve its problems, overcome challenges, succeed as a family as well as preserve and build on the significant economic progress and technological advancements it has gained over the years.
Looking ahead, ASEAN will continue to prepare for future challenges through collective and coordinated efforts with all of our partners as the region builds resilience and safeguards the well-being and livelihoods of its people.
In ending the titah, His Majesty gave his best wishes for a very happy ASEAN Day and continued encouragement to ASEAN in its pursuit of a bright future for the region and its people.
Source: Radio Television Brunei