Brussels (VNA) - ASEAN diplomats and their families gathered in Brussels on August 22 for ASEAN Family Day 2026, an annual event that fosters solidarity and community spirit among the bloc’s members through family activities, culinary and cultural exchange.
In his opening remarks, Timor-Leste Ambassador to Brussels Maria Bessa underscored the importance of nurturing the sense of community and solidarity among ASEAN members.
Ambassadors of all member states then joined a team-balancing game and posed for a group photo, vividly showcasing the spirit of an “ASEAN Family.”
Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Huong Tra attended the event together with embassy officials, staff and representatives of the Vietnamese community, demonstrating Vietnam’s active participation in the bloc’s joint activities.
The morning featured a series of traditional team games for participants of all ages, with laughter filling the grounds, helping bring together delegates regardless of language or nationality.
Beyond the games, the event offered an opportunity for participants to experience the culinary diversity of ASEAN. Representatives of all 11 member states prepared signature dishes from their respective countries, turning the gathering into a culinary journey across Southeast Asia in the heart of Brussels.
The Vietnamese delegation served fried spring rolls, fried shrimp and fried rice, offering international guests a taste of Vietnamese cuisine and highlighting its appeal among ASEAN friends in Europe.
First held in 2011 with just 120 participants, ASEAN Family Day in Brussels has grown into a vibrant symbol of the ASEAN community, bringing members together as one family./.
