The beauty of ASEAN solidarity in the heart of Europe

Amidst the ancient landscape of Brussels, the vibrant Southeast Asian cultural space was recreated during ASEAN Family Day, marking the 58th anniversary of the bloc’s founding. The event was not only a celebration but also demonstrated the strong vitality of ASEAN solidarity.

ASEAN flag raising ceremony at the Indonesian Embassy in Brussels. (Source: VNA)

Taking place at the Indonesian Embassy on the morning of August 9, the event attracted a large number of diplomats and their families from 10 ASEAN member countries and observers from Timor Leste. The space was transformed into a miniature "ASEAN village" where traditional culture blends with modern life.

The highlight of the program was the unique cultural exchange activities. Ambassadors and diplomats enthusiastically participated in folk games such as "picking up balls with chopsticks", while the "Understanding ASEAN" contest helped to enhance understanding of the organization's history and achievements.

Singaporean Ambassador to Belgium Hong Huai Lim, who holds the rotating chairmanship of the ASEAN Community in Brussels in the second half of this year, affirmed that despite being far away from their homeland, the ASEAN community in Belgium still feels the warmth and familiarity of being at home, a big family. He sees the ASEAN Family Day as a meaningful occasion, helping people get closer together and strengthen their bonds.

ASEAN Ambassadors and Charge d'Affaires in Brussels.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao, Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the European Union, expressed his joy at the event. The Ambassador emphasized that, in the context of increasing global challenges, solidarity and cooperation within ASEAN has become a typical model, clearly demonstrated in the economic and political fields, and at the same time widely spread in cultural life.

The diverse cultural program combined traditional and modern music , from Lao Lam Vong to folk songs from other countries. In particular, the performance "My Homeland Vietnam" performed by the Vietnamese delegation in red Ao Dai made a strong impression.

Officials and wives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Brussels performed the song "Vietnam, my homeland".

The food court with signature dishes such as fried shrimp, Vietnamese fried noodles, Indonesian satay and an activity corner for children have contributed to creating a diverse cultural space, strengthening ASEAN solidarity.

The festival ended under the warm golden sunshine, leaving in everyone's hearts a sweet echo of a day filled with joy, connection and deep friendship. Those moments were like a vivid proof of a strong, close-knit and vibrant ASEAN community, which, despite being far away from home, always looks towards each other like a big family in a foreign land.

A traditional Thai dance.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/net-dep-doan-ket-asean-giua-trai-tim-chau-au-323928.html