The Vietnamese Embassy in Russia joined those of other ASEAN countries in a cultural activity in Moscow on August 6, which was expected to strengthen mutual understanding and boost cooperation between the bloc and the European country.

The ASEAN Culture and Gastronomy Day was also part of activities to mark the 42nd founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (August 8, 1967-2009).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Khamid Avaludin, Rotating President of the ASEAN Council in Russia, highlighted the bloc’s achievements in joint efforts to develop Southeast Asia into a region of peace, stability, friendship, cooperation and prosperity.

Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Borodavkin highly valued the Russia-ASEAN partnership and the development of the ASEAN into a powerful international organisation in politics, economics and culture, which serves the benefits of all member countries.

He affirmed that Russia welcomes and supports the ASEAN’s initiative to build a new security mechanism in Southeast Asia./.