Philippine Ambassador Mary Jo A. Bernardo-Aragon attended “ASEAN at Fifty: For Now and Posterity,” organized by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 27 January 2017. The event served as Thailand’s official launch of a series of activities in commemoration of ASEAN’s Golden Anniversary. 

From left to right: Brunei Embassy Second Secretary Kho Pei Wei, Cambodian Ambassador Sophea Eat, Indonesian Ambassador Ahmad Rusi, Lao Ambassador Ly Bounkham, Director General Jakkrit Srivali, Deputy Permanent Secretary Vitavas Srivihok, Amb. Mary Jo A. Bernardo-Aragon, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, and Deputy Foreign Minister Virasakdi Futrakul

Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, who presided over the opening ceremony, highlighted the achievements of ASEAN since its establishment and expressed support for the Philippine Chairship of ASEAN in 2017. Former ASEAN Secretary General and former Thai Foreign Minister Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, who delivered the keynote, said that ASEAN plays a crucial role in maintaining peace, stability and growth in the region, and encouraged ASEAN stakeholders to strengthen the organization and support its initiatives.

Left photo: Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, and Amb. Mary Jo A. Bernardo-Aragon pose for a photo on stage; Right photo: Dr. Surin Pitsuwan delivering his keynote.