The beauty of ASEAN solidarity in the heart of Europe.

Amidst the historic setting of Brussels, the vibrant cultural atmosphere of Southeast Asia was recreated during ASEAN Family Day, marking the 58th anniversary of the bloc's founding. The event was not only a celebration but also showcased the enduring spirit of ASEAN solidarity.

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

Held at the Indonesian Embassy headquarters on the morning of August 9th, the event attracted a large number of diplomats and their families from 10 ASEAN member countries, along with observers from Timor Leste. The space was transformed into a miniature "ASEAN village," where traditional culture blended 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" competition helped enhance understanding of the organization's history and achievements.

Singapore's Ambassador to Belgium, Hong Huai Lim, who holds the rotating chairmanship of the ASEAN Community in Brussels for the second half of this year, affirmed that despite being far from home, the ASEAN community in Belgium always feels the warmth and familiarity of being in their own home, a large extended family. He views the ASEAN Family Day as a meaningful occasion that helps people get closer and strengthen their bonds of friendship.

ASEAN Ambassadors and Chargé d'affaires ad interim in Brussels.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao, Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the European Union, expressed his delight at witnessing the event. The Ambassador emphasized that, amidst increasing global challenges, solidarity and cooperation within ASEAN have become a prime example, clearly demonstrated in the economic and political spheres, and deeply rooted in cultural life.

The diverse cultural program featured a blend of traditional and modern music , from Laotian lamvong to folk songs from various countries. Particularly impressive was the performance of "Vietnam, My Homeland" by the Vietnamese delegation, dressed in red ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), which left a strong impression.

Officials and their spouses from the Vietnamese Embassy in Brussels performed the song "Vietnam, My Homeland".

The food court, featuring signature dishes such as fried shrimp, Vietnamese stir-fried noodles, Indonesian satay, and a children's activity corner, contributed to creating a diverse cultural space and strengthening ASEAN solidarity.

The festival concluded under the warm golden sunlight, leaving everyone with the sweet memories of a day filled with joy, connection, and deep camaraderie. These moments served as vivid evidence of a strong, close-knit, and vibrant ASEAN community, which, despite being far from home, always looks towards each other as one 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