Celebrating 58 years of ASEAN in Hungary: Connecting communities, honoring identities

Delegates attending the Celebration.

The event attracted nearly 200 guests, including representatives of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations, government officials, representatives of universities, businesses, the ASEAN community in Hungary and Ambassadors, officials and staff of ASEAN embassies.

Mr. István Jakab, Vice President of the Hungarian Parliament attended and spoke at the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Philippine Ambassador to Hungary, Ms. Maria Elena P. Algabre, on behalf of the ASEAN Embassies in Hungary, emphasized the significance of the establishment of ASEAN in 1967 and the strong development of the organization, becoming an influential regional institution, promoting peace , prosperity and cooperation among member countries as well as external partners.

The Philippine Ambassador also noted the increasingly deepening cooperation between ASEAN and Hungary, reflected in the presence of six ASEAN Embassies in Hungary and the development of cooperation in the fields of trade, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Expressing hope that Hungary will soon accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the Philippine Ambassador also shared that the Philippines is honored to assume the rotating ASEAN Chair in 2026, with priorities expected to focus on peace and security, maritime cooperation, and climate change.

Celebrating 58 years of ASEAN in Hungary: Connecting communities, honoring identities

Ambassador Bui Le Thai spoke at the Ceremony.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai emphasized: “The 75th anniversary of ASEAN is a good opportunity for ASEAN diplomatic missions in their home countries to strengthen relations, enhance mutual understanding and together spread the spirit of solidarity, cooperation and the image of a cohesive, dynamic and culturally rich ASEAN community.”

Celebrating 58 years of ASEAN in Hungary: Connecting communities, honoring identities

Vice President of the Hungarian Parliament István Jakab congratulated ASEAN for its outstanding achievements over the past nearly 60 years.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. István Jakab, Vice President of the Hungarian National Assembly, congratulated ASEAN for its outstanding achievements over the past 60 years, and expressed his belief that ASEAN will continue to play a central role and have increasing influence in promoting peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

Mr. István Jakab also stressed the importance of strengthening the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership, based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and common interests. He also expressed his desire to further strengthen relations between Hungary and ASEAN countries, especially hoping that ASEAN countries would support Hungary's accession to the TAC.

With the spirit of “One vision, one identity, one community”, the celebration program brought a vibrant and joyful atmosphere through special performances, and especially the ASEAN culinary area, where each country introduced its own typical dishes.

In addition, the ASEAN Charity Fair held within the framework of the event also raised a large sum of money for the charity activities of the Diplomatic Wives and Husbands in Budapest.

Celebrating 58 years of ASEAN in Hungary: Connecting communities, honoring identities