SECRETARY-GENERAL CONGRATULATES SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS ON NEW CHARTER;

 

SAYS ‘HISTORIC STEP’ TOWARDS CLOSER INTEGRATION, COOPERATION

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

On the occasion of the fortieth anniversary Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Secretary-General wishes to congratulate the ASEAN Heads of State on the signing today of the ASEAN Charter.  In declaring their commitment to the principles of human rights and democracy, the ASEAN leaders have collectively taken a historic step towards closer integration and cooperation to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations in the region.

The United Nations looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with ASEAN to address the challenges and opportunities of our times.

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For information media • not an official record