Hanoi (VNA) - 𝓰The Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka, in coordination with the Embassies of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar, held a ceremony to celebrate the 57th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the Indonesian Embassy's headquarters in Colombo on August 13.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam highlighted outstanding achievements that ASEAN has gained over the past 57 years across all pillars 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. The diplomat 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 organising the annual ASEAN Future Forum, she said. On this occasion, the Vietnamese Embassy, in cooperation with other countries, organised the ASEAN Family Day 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. ASEAN consists of 10 member states, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam./.