ASEAN Chairman’s Statement

Congratulating Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon

Manila, 6 October 2006

It is indeed a happy occasion to see that an Asian candidate has emerged as the Security Council’s nominee for the post of Secretary General of the United Nations. This will be the first time that Asia will occupy that seat, since Secretary General U Thant left office in 1971.

On behalf of the member countries of ASEAN, we are pleased to extend our sincere congratulations to Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon of the Republic of Korea, for his imminent appointment to the post of UN Secretary General. We have worked closely with Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon, and have full confidence in his commitment and his ability to lead the United Nations in these very challenging times.

We also thank Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai for his vigorous campaign as ASEAN candidate.