Promoting ASEAN cultural identity, unity in diversity

On the occasion of the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia organized a welcoming event with art performances and exhibitions introducing traditional handicraft products of the regional organization's member countries, creating a unique ASEAN cultural space, unified in diversity on the campus of the Royal University of Fine Arts, in the heart of Phnom Penh.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia Nguyen Minh Vu and his wife attended the event, along with Ambassadors of ASEAN member countries, Timor Leste and ASEAN partner countries.

From the afternoon of August 9, the campus of the Royal University of Fine Arts of Cambodia was more bustling than usual with many domestic and international delegations visiting. Along with that was the exciting quiz activity with prizes by the school's students, eager to compete in knowledge, learn about the history of formation and development of ASEAN, as well as the characteristics of each member country of the regional organization.

At the event area, the Organizing Committee reserved a separate space for the Embassies of ASEAN member countries and Timor Leste to organize booths to display and introduce traditional handicraft products of the country, attracting a large number of visitors and spectators. That is the booth introducing scarves, silk dresses, masks, silver cups... from many regions of the country of Pagodas of the event organizing unit.

At the event, the Vietnamese booth stood out with handicraft products from the traditional craft village of Ha Thai lacquer (Thuong Tin, Hanoi) and Chu Dau pottery ( Hai Duong ) with hundreds of years of history...

The exhibition space is arranged in a building with ancient architecture, like the lecture halls and other buildings in the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh with hundred-year-old architecture. Along with handicraft products at the booths, the exhibition space is more lively and impressive with the delegations wearing traditional costumes of the country. Among them, there are the graceful ao dai, the soft, graceful and feminine ao tu than of Vietnamese women.

The anniversary event that took place in such a special space that evening created a highlight of an ASEAN cultural space that is unified in diversity, blending the cultural identities of member countries, under the common roof of the regional organization that was born nearly 6 decades ago.

An art performance with many special performances at the celebration of the 58th anniversary of ASEAN's founding, organized by the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. (Photo: Huynh Thao/VNA)

In her welcome message, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona said the event was not only an occasion to celebrate the founding of the regional organization in 1967, but also an occasion to reaffirm the common vision, unity in diversity and commitment to living in peace and building together a prosperous future for ASEAN.

According to Ms. Phoeurng Sackona, this year's commemorative activities are organized under the theme of "inclusiveness and sustainability" of Malaysia, the rotating Chair of ASEAN 2025, demonstrating the region's shared determination to complete the goals of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and prepare for the future through the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

In the cultural field, the ASEAN Ministers on Culture and Arts (AMCA), chaired by Malaysia this year, selected the theme "Connecting Cultures, Building the Future: Unity in Diversity" as the theme of cooperation, emphasizing the role of culture and arts in the joint efforts to build the ASEAN Community.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia stressed that this theme reflects the common belief that although ASEAN is a melting pot of languages, religions and traditions, cultural heritage is a strong unifying force. It reminds countries that the preservation and promotion of heritage values, both tangible and intangible, is essential to protect identity, enhance mutual understanding and build trust among peoples.

In that spirit, the head of the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said that this commemorative program is a vivid demonstration of unity through ASEAN culture, along with art performances and exhibitions, introducing traditional handicraft products of Timor Leste and ASEAN member countries.

Ms. Phoeurng Sackona emphasized: “Here, each country displays and introduces unique artistic and traditional beauty, reflecting our rich culture and belief in unity in diversity”./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/de-cao-ban-sac-van-hoa-asean-thong-nhat-trong-da-dang-post1054830.vnp