"It has contributed to what ASEAN has become today: one of the world`s most successful regional organizations. I join you today in tribute to the ASEAN Secretariat, and the host of nameless and dedicated individuals, who are contributing to its development," the head of state said in his lecture before 300 audience on the ASEAN Day here on Monday.
Yudhoyono thanked Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, the Secretary General of ASEAN, for inviting him to deliver the lecture on the occasion of the 44th Anniversary of ASEAN.
He said Dr. Pitsuwan has done an exemplary job, as the Secretary-General of ASEAN because since assuming his chair, he has brought fresh energy, strong dedication and enormous creativity into the ASEAN Secretariat.
"And we owe him a debt of gratitude. I would like to thank all the staff of the ASEAN Secretariat, for the hard work that they have done in advancing ASEAN cooperation. I know sometimes it feels like a thankless job, but believe me, your hard work is noticed and well appreciated," he said.
The president expressed his please that the ASEAN Secretariat had continued to grow since it was established by the Bali Concord of 1976.
"Back then, the Secretariat represented the first major expansion of ASEAN`s work," he said.
Since its inception in 1967, ASEAN has transformed itself tremendously, has adapted, and will have to continue adapting to the ever-changing regional and global circumstances, Yudhoyono said.
ASEAN was founded in 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined the grouping in 1984, Viet Nam in 1995, Lao and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999.
(Uu.F001/HAJM)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
