ASEAN Family Day in Belgium recreates Southeast Asian cultural space

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.

Amidst the ancient landscape of the capital Brussels, a vibrant Southeast Asian cultural space was recreated on ASEAN Family Day, marking the 58th anniversary of the bloc's founding.

The event is not only a celebration but also demonstrates the strong vitality of ASEAN solidarity spirit abroad.

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.

Speaking to VNA reporters, 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 increase their solidarity.

ASEAN Ambassadors and Charge d'Affaires in Brussels. (Photo: Huong Giang/ VNA)

Meanwhile, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium, Nguyen Van Thao, Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the European Union, expressed his joy at witnessing the event.

The Ambassador stressed 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.

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 the sweet echoes of a day filled with joy, connection and deep friendship.

Those moments are like vivid proof of a strong, close-knit and vibrant ASEAN community, which, despite being far away from home, still always looks towards each other like a big family in a foreign land./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/ngay-gia-dinh-asean-tai-bi-tai-hien-khong-gian-van-hoa-dong-nam-a-post1054794.vnp