57th founding anniversary of ASEAN celebrated in Sri Lanka

Delegates at the event (Photo: WVR)

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam highlighted outstanding achievements that ASEAN has gained over the past 57 years in the fields of politics - diplomacy, economy, and socio-culture, building the ASEAN Community in the context of complicated and unpredictable developments in the regional and international situation.

She affirmed the important role and position of ASEAN in Vietnam's foreign policy, mentioning the country's major contributions to consolidating a strong and united ASEAN, as well as building ASEAN's relations with partners after 29 years of joining the group, especially in the role as coordinator for ASEAN - New Zealand and ASEAN - UK relations in the 2024-2027 period.

Vietnam will continue implementing the initiative of organizing the annual ASEAN Future Forum, she said.

On this occasion, the ASEAN Family Day was held with diverse activities such as introduction of cuisines, folk games, culture and customs of ASEAN member countries.

The annual ASEAN Day has become a tradition among members of the association in Sri Lanka. Currently, five ASEAN members have opened their representative offices in Colombo. They have regularly coordinated with each other as well as the local administration to promote the image of a united ASEAN Community to local and international friends./.