Speaking at the organization's 49^th anniversary celebration held at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Retno highlighted ASEAN’s achievements in building peace and stability, as well as growing prosperity in the region so it could become the seventh largest economy in the world. 

"Let us not stop there, for we have much to do and more to achieve," Retno said in her remarks on Monday. She added that this year's celebration should be used as a moment of reflection on how to work together to overcome common challenges in the region.

The minister highlighted the commitment adopted in the 2015 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the establishment of the ASEAN Community last year. Referring to the organization as a "home", Retno said ASEAN centrality and unity must remain a key principle to foster progress in the region.

She also noted the essential pillars of ASEAN as a way to promote a politically cohesive, economically integrated and socially responsible community.

Further, Retno emphasized the importance of a down to earth approach to deliver concrete benefits for people, adding that it was imperative to reach out to the wider public through innovative media engagement. 

At the event, Retno revealed plans for the expansion of the organization's headquarters in Jakarta, which is expected to begin in early 2017. "Being the host country, Indonesia is ready and committed to best serve as the diplomatic capital of Southeast Asia," she said. (ebf)

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