ASEAN cultural exchange held in Jakarta
(VOV) - An annual exchange featuring the traditional food and cultures of ASEAN member countries entitled “Contact Morning” was held at the Vietnamese embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, on October 12.
The event is organized by the ambassadors' wives and female diplomatic corps staff from different ASEAN member countries each year. Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar co-hosted this year's exchange.
Nguyen Thi Hanh, wife of the Vietnamese ambassador to Indonesia, warmly welcomed the guests from ASEAN countries on behalf of the women from the Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar embassies.
She emphasized that the event aims to strengthen mutual understanding and increase solidarity among the diplomatic corps.
The wife of the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sranya Natalegawa, said that the exchange is being held to prepare for establishing a single ASEAN community by 2015. It also offers an opportunity for women from ASEAN countries to exchange ideas, particularly about charitable and humanitarian activities.
During the event, guests watched films about Vietnam’s economy, culture and tourism, learned about the culture of Laos, and enjoyed traditional dances from Myanmar.
Traditional food was also featured, as well as a display of art, handicrafts and gemstones from the three countries.