ASEAN ambassadors take photos at the event.

On August 13, the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka, together with the embassies of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar, organized the ASEAN Founding Day at the Indonesian Embassy in Colombo.

The ceremony was held solemnly and warmly with the participation of Indonesian Ambassador Dewi Gustina Tobing, Malaysian Ambassador Badli Hishan Adam, Thai Ambassador Paitoon Mahapannaporn, Myanmar Ambassador Marlar Than Htaik and Vietnamese Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam, along with family members of the diplomatic staff.

ASEAN family in Colombo.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the Organizing Committee reiterated the significance and importance of ASEAN Day on August 8 as well as this year's theme "ASEAN: Strengthening Connectivity and Resilience". The ASEAN Anthem was then solemnly performed along with the flags of ASEAN and its member countries.

Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam spoke at the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam highlighted ASEAN's achievements over the past 57 years in the pillars of politics - foreign affairs, economy, culture - society, and building the ASEAN Community in the context of complex and unpredictable developments in the regional and international situation.

Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam affirmed the important role and position of ASEAN in Vietnam's foreign policy, recalling some of Vietnam's outstanding contributions after 29 years of joining the Association in consolidating a strong and united ASEAN, as well as building ASEAN relations with partners, especially in the role of the coordinator of ASEAN-New Zealand and ASEAN-UK relations for the 2024-2027 period. The Ambassador also said that Vietnam will continue to implement the initiative of organizing the annual ASEAN Future Forum.

Members of the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka and family.

On this occasion, the Embassy coordinated with other countries to organize ASEAN Family Day with many rich and diverse activities such as introducing cuisine, traditional games, culture, art, etc. Before that, members of ASEAN countries and their families participated in a badminton tournament organized by the Indonesian Embassy.

The annual celebration of ASEAN Day has become a tradition among ASEAN countries. Currently, 5 ASEAN countries have permanent representative offices in Colombo. The embassies regularly coordinate closely in activities with local authorities at all levels as well as within the bloc to strengthen cohesion, while introducing the image of a united ASEAN community to international and local friends.

Introducing Vietnamese cuisine at the event.

Staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka performed at the event.