The ASEAN Women’s Circles (AWC) hosted a traditional culinary festival in Jakarta, Indonesia on June 5 , contributing to promoting exchange and mutual understanding among the women of ASEAN member nations and those from the bloc’s six dialogue partners.

In her opening speech, AWC Chairwoman Sabai highlighted the significance of the event, saying that it helps forge links between ASEAN women while honouring and introducing the traditional culinary arts of each ASEAN member nation.

Sabai stressed that the AWC, in 2014, will continue prioritising charitable activities, while focusing on fostering friendship and solidarity between the people of ASEAN countries.

It will also work to support ASEAN’s diplomatic activities, towards hastening the region’s integration process and the establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015, she added.

On the fringes of the fair, a kermis was also organised to raise fund for disadvantaged children, especially street children in Jakarta and surrounding areas.

The festival is one of the AWC’s flagship programmes. Last year, a similar event was held to promote noodles from across the region.

The AWC, founded on August 8, 1975, operates as a social organisation and aims to enhance friendship and solidarity, as well as boost cooperation in the region.-VNA