An art programme was held in Hanoi on August 8 to celebrate the 46th 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 of Foreign Affairs, the programme entertained the audience with traditional songs and dances of member states, featuring their unique cultural identities.

The annual event aimed to popularise and promote the building of a strong and closely-connected ASEAN Community. It also offered a chance to boost exchanges and connectivity between Vietnam and other member countries, as well as strengthen solidarity among regional people.

Addressing the ceremony, HUFO Vice President Vu Thi Hai said she wishes that the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between ASEAN countries will be further developed.

The countries should be unanimous in lifting regional cooperation and connectivity to a new height, contributing to the establishment of the ASEAN Community by 2015 on the three pillars of security, economics and culture, Hai said.

ASEAN groups Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Brunei and the Philippines.-VNA