THE HAGUE, With sunny smiles, sumptuous food, and exquisite cultural performances was how ASEAN Ambassadors and the ASEAN community and their friends in The Hague celebrated the 55th year of ASEAN and the 45th year of ASEAN-EU Dialogue relations on 05 August at the Embassy of the Philippines. The ASEAN Ambassadors from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Singapore, who are based in Brussels, were also present at the event.
In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya underscored EU’s unwavering support to the principle of ASEAN Centrality on matters relating to Southeast Asia and looks forward to both regions’ continuous partnership in the coming years. “The Strategic Partnership with the EU is one of the most important for ASEAN. Our shared values, principles, and interests…are the bedrock of our relations. Ours is a dynamic and multifaceted partnership, covering political-security, economic, environmental, climate and socio-cultural issues as well as connectivity,” said Ambassador Malaya, the current Chairperson of the ASEAN Committee in The Hague.
“We need to continue embracing our commitment to the spirit of togetherness in a caring and sharing community where everyone matters,” Ambassador Malaya added.
Director Karin Mossenlechner, head of the Department of Asia and Oceania of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, lauded ASEAN’s significant role and achievements in regional and international affairs: “ASEAN centrality has become a household name. ASEAN is doing important work often in close cooperation with the European Union in many areas. Aside from the 55th anniversary of ASEAN, another occasion for celebration is that the Netherlands acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia… We underscored the strengthening of cooperation with the ASEAN, particularly in these times of geopolitical changes.”
The festive commemoration featured cultural performances highlighting ASEAN’s rich, vibrant and colorful traditions, namely Indonesia’s dance “Cendrawasih” and “Poco-Poco”; traditional dance from Malaysia’s State of Sarawak “Ngajat”; the Philippines’ modern popular music “Kahit Ayaw Mo Na”; Thailand’s dance “Serng Sawing” and “Rum Plearn”; and Viet Nam’s song “Hello Viet Nam!” The Philippines also showcased a special song performance of “Minsan” (Sometimes) by Ms. Jana Ariana Malaya, who was accompanied virtually by “The In Bituin” band from the Philippine Science High School – Main Campus in Quezon City.
The program was followed by a reception featuring a selection of ASEAN cuisines and delicacies, notably Indonesia’s “Mie Bakso” (noodle and beef meatball soup), Malaysia’s “nasi lemak” (coconut milk rice), the Philippines’ kalderetang baka “beef caldereta,” Thailand’s “pad thai” (stir-fried rice noodles), and Viet Nam’s spring rolls.
The program commenced with the hoisting of the ASEAN flag and singing of the ASEAN Anthem led by Mr. Jasper Revilla, and accompanied on piano by Mr. Marco Giovanni Guibone.
Some 100 officers and personnel of the ASEAN embassies in The Hague and prominent members of the community and Dutch businessmen and women attended the celebration.
Source: Republic of Philippines Department Of Foreign Affairs