ASEAN envoys mark 44th year in Switzerland

Envoys of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries in Switzerland recently marked the ASEAN's 44th anniversary with a Family Day in Berne. Officials from embassies in Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, joined the activity on July 30, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. The event was also a welcome for Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Leslie Baja and his family, who recently arrived in Berne. "The Family Day, held at the Indonesian Ambassador's residence, featured a cultural presentation depicting traditional dances and music from member countries, a selection of culinary specialties as well as games and light sports competition among ASEAN Embassies' staff, their families and other participants," the DFA said in a news release. ASEAN Embassies expressed their hope for more ASEAN-themed events in the future. Among the invited guests were officials from the Swiss government and other diplomatic representatives in Berne. The DFA said the "Nasi Tumpang," a thanksgiving and welcome ceremony, a cultural presentation and a luncheon highlighted the day. ASEAN Embassies are undertaking activities geared towards building an ASEAN Community by 2015. This year's celebration is part of the ASEAN's goal of fostering greater appreciation and understanding of ASEAN's diverse culture and heritage, and of manifesting ASEAN solidarity and shared cultural identity. - VVP, GMA News