Mr. Chairman,
Your Royal Highness,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to join other ASEAN colleagues in Hanoi, a capital city of beauty, in witnessing today's event of profound significance which is to be inscribed in the history of Southeast Asia. That is the long-standing dream of an ASEAN 10 has gloriously come true, thus meeting the aspiration of our Founding Fathers. Concurrently, this auspicious ASEAN Ceremony takes place at the time when the Vietnamese people are enjoying the commemoration of the day of historical victory in their heroic struggle for national unification.

On this grandiose occasion, I should like to express, on behalf of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, my wholehearted congratulations and warmest welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia for its admission as a full member of the family of Southeast Asian Nations.

Mr. Chairman,

The success of ASEAN in admitting the Kingdom of Cambodia into the fold has opened a new era in our region. In the past, Cambodia was regarded as a factor causing mistrust, conflict and division in Southeast Asia. But at present, the Kingdom of Cambodia, under the protection of His Majesty King Sihanouk, has succeeded in national reconciliation and is moving toward national development at peace and friendly relations with other states. Consequently, the entry of the Kingdom of Cambodia into one family not only constitutes an important determinant strengthening Cambodia's capacity in the healing of wounds of war and in its nation-building efforts, but also will contribute to the ASEAN's common cause of strengthening solidarity, maintaining peace and fostering cooperation for progress and prosperity of ASEAN. It will also help intensify the ASEAN's relations with other regional groupings. I am confident that with the existing unity and cooperation, ASEAN 10 which is composed of around 500 million people and endowed with abundant natural resources will continue to combine all effort towards the Third Millennium. This effort will be undertaken with strong determination to achieve its vision of ASEAN as "a concert of Southeast Asian nations, outward looking living in peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together in partnership in dynamic development and in a community of caring societies". In the immediate future we will strive together to overcome the economic and financial crisis by translating the Hanoi Plan of Action into reality.

Mr. Chairman,

In conclusion, I would like to extend my warm welcome to our new colleagues His Excellency Mr. Hor Nam Hong, Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and, International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia. I am convinced that with his competence and rich experience ht will positively contribute to the success of ASEAN's common cause.

Thank You.