Ho Chi Minh City, Aug. 7 -- The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) on August 7 held a gathering to celebrate the 59th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (August 8, 1967-2026), highlighting friendship and solidarity among the people of ASEAN member states.

In her opening remarks, Phan Thi Hong Xuan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam-Southeast Asia Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City, recalled the establishment of the bloc 59 years ago, noting that the regional cooperation organisation, founded by five countries, has gradually expanded and developed into an increasingly cohesive community comprising all Southeast Asian nations.

Despite differences in history, culture, languages...