The Association of Southeast Nations (Asean) Committee in Doha (ACD) marked the 56th founding anniversary of Asean with the grand inauguration of a week-long food festival at the Isaan restaurant at Grand Hyatt Hotel recently.
Comprising the embassies of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Brunei Darussalam, the ACD gathered distinguished dignitaries from Qatari ministries, members of various diplomatic missions, and special guests to celebrate this milestone with the theme “Asean Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.” In a post on its social media pages, the embassy said Philippine ambassador and current ACD chair, Lillibeth V Pono, opened the event as she addressed attendees, lauding the region’s progress since its inception.
“Asean is a region marked by vitality and dynamism. In fact, with a combined GDP of around $3trillion, Asean is poised to become the fourth largest economy in the world,” she noted.
Pono also lauded Qatar’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Co-operation in Southeast Asia last year, citing it as a testament to the deepening relations between Asean and its external partners.
Thailand ambassador and lead organiser of the Asean Food Festival, Sira Swangsilpa, put a spotlight on the festival's concept as he invited guests to embark on a culinary journey through the distinctive flavours of Southeast Asia, which was prepared by Isaan, the event's partner restaurant.
Besides the culinary experience, the festival also treated attendees to enchanting performances of traditional Southeast Asian dances and music, accompanied by a captivating exhibit of national dresses, providing a vivid cultural backdrop to the festivities. The Asean Food Festival concludes today (September 25) at Isaan restaurant.
ACD showcases Asean culture and traditions at the celebration.
ACD ambassadors and guests at the event.
