An art programme was held in Hanoi on August 8 to celebrate the46th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) and 18 years since Vietnam joined the grouping.
Jointly held by the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO),embassies of ASEAN member countries in Hanoi and the Ministry ofForeign Affairs, the programme entertained the audience with traditionalsongs and dances of member states, featuring their unique culturalidentities.
The annual event aimed to popularise andpromote the building of a strong and closely-connected ASEAN Community.It also offered a chance to boost exchanges and connectivity betweenVietnam and other member countries, as well as strengthen solidarityamong regional people.
Addressing the ceremony, HUFOVice President Vu Thi Hai said she wishes that the friendship andcomprehensive cooperation between ASEAN countries will be furtherdeveloped.
The countries should be unanimous inlifting regional cooperation and connectivity to a new height,contributing to the establishment of the ASEAN Community by 2015 on thethree pillars of security, economics and culture, Hai said.
ASEAN groups Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, Thailand,Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Brunei and the Philippines.-VNA