More than 800 officials from line ministries and various international organisations operating in Laos took part in a mini-marathon for good health at Patouxay Park in Vientiane on Saturday.
The aim of the walk was to commemorate the 45th Asean anniversary of the founding of Asean, which was established on August 8, 1967 and the 15th anniversary of Laos' accession to Asean, on August 23, 1997.
The mini-marathon was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, ministers, deputy ministers and representatives from various international organisations.
It began at Patouxay Park, and the participants walked to the Presidential Palace before returning to Patouxay Park again.
Dr Thongloun said Asean member countries' are currently holding various activities to celebrate the 45th Asean anniversary, promoting a better understanding of the regional bloc as integration moves closer, with the creation of the Asean community scheduled for 2015.
Laos has held numerous events to mark the anniversary, including a football competition, a walk for fitness and a flag raising ceremony hoisting both the Lao and Asean flags.
Asean was established on August 8, 1967 to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region; working together through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of southeast Asian nations.
Success in the development of political, economic, and social cooperation within Asean has attracted the interest of many countries, including powerful and regional nations, who have established strong relations with Asean since its founding. As integration moves closer, Lao officials have vowed to focus on human resource development in the belief that the issue is a crucial factor for the country in terms of participating successfully in building the Asean Community, based on the three pillars principle.
Last month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also held the football tournament at Chao Anouvong stadium in Vientiane to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Laos' Asean membership and the 45th anniversary of Asean.