Amb. Eliphas M. Barine, Director General- Political and Diplomatic Affairs on 7th August 2024 represented Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, PS State Department for Foreign Affairs at the commemoration of 57th anniversary of the establishment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held at the Royal Thai Embassy in Nairobi.
In a statement read on his behalf, Dr. Sing’Oei thanked H.E Ms. Morakot Janemathukorn, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of Kenya and the current chair of the ASEAN Committee in Nairobi for organizing and hosting the commemorative celebrations.
PS Sing’Oei underscored the significance of regional blocs in enhancing integration, peace and security as vehicles to further trade and investment in a variety of sectors.
“As an active member of the East African Community, Kenya deeply believes in the positive attributes of regional economic communities to enhance multilateralism, peace and security, as well as unlocking potential for other regions to learn from, and share experiences, in their respective developmental trajectories.” PS Sing’Oei stated
On global issues, he emphasized the importance of reforms, especially the global financial architecture, to unlock resources to addressing pressing issues around climate change, digital inclusion and equity, particularly to the global south.
Further, he extended invitation to entrepreneurs from the ASEAN bloc to invest in Kenya for market access into the East Africa Community and Africa at large. under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Amb. Janemathukorn while delivering her speech underscored ASEAN Committee in Nairobi (ACN) role in integrating ASEAN’s identity in Kenya through cultural events and announced an upcoming ASEAN Festival in November 2024.
“I wish to extend the committee’s earnest appreciation earnest appreciation to the Guest of Honour for gracing the event, your presence signifies Kenya’s long-standing support of Kenya to ACN, especially this year where the country is celebrating 60 years of her diplomacy.”
ASEAN Day, celebrated annually on August 8, marks its foundation in 1967 with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration, also known as the Bangkok Declaration.
In attendance also were; Ambassadors; High Commissioners; Permanent Representatives of the United Nations Office in Nairobi and UNEP and HABITAT and International Organizations; Members of the Diplomatic Corp and students from the Department of Peace and International Security, Daystar University.