A ceremony took place at the ASEAN Secretariat headquarters in Indonesia to bid farewell to outgoing Secretary General Le Luong Minh.

Outgoing ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh at the event 

The ceremony gathered Indonesian officials, ASEAN ambassadors and representatives of foreign missions to ASEAN, ASEAN dialogue partners and international organisations, as well as nearly 300 staff at the ASEAN Secretariat.

Addressing the event, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs AKP Mochtan said Minh has fulfilled his duty during a significant development phase of ASEAN, as the bloc turned itself into a community and expanded regional connectivity.

With experience and competency, he has contributed to ASEAN’s growth and left a good impression on his colleagues, he added.

Mochtan hoped the official would continue his dedication to the bloc in his next position.

In his speech, Minh thanked colleagues at the ASEAN Secretariat for their support over the past five years.

He mentioned notable events taking place during his tenure, including the formation of the ASEAN Community and ASEAN Vision 2015, attributing such achievements to concerted efforts from member countries and cooperation from dialogue partners.

He stressed his belief that ASEAN will consolidate its regional and global roles.

Minh will conclude his tenure as ASEAN Secretary General on December 31 this year.-VNA