PH Embassy Leads ASEAN Day Celebration in Moscow
Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation (center) together with the other Ambassadors and representatives of the embassies of ASEAN member countries in Moscow, Director Lyudmila Vorobyova of the Third Asian Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (6th from left), and Dr. Victor Sumsky, Director of the ASEAN Centre in MGIMO University, at the diplomatic reception in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN held on 8 August 2017, at the Embassy of the Philippines in Moscow. (Photo by C. Narvaez)
11 August 2017 MOSCOW — The Philippine Embassy, in collaboration with the diplomatic missions of other ASEAN member countries in Moscow, held a lunch reception on August 08 at the Philippine Embassy premises in central Moscow to commemorate ASEAN’s golden anniversary.
Guests included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Russian government agencies as well as representatives from the diplomatic corps, media, private sector, academe, and think tank organizations.
Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Carlos D. Sorreta lauded ASEAN’s accomplishments since its establishment on 8 August 1967, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
“During those fifty years, working together we have transformed our region. Where once our differences divided us, we now have strength in our diversity. Where once rivalries ruled, today cooperation is the rule,” Ambassador Sorreta stated.
He added that “it is a great honor for the Philippines to chair ASEAN during this milestone year. Under the theme “Partnering for change, engaging the world”, we will work to lay a solid foundation for the next chapter in ASEAN regionalism."
Hon. Lyudmila G. Vorobyova, Director of the Third Asian Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, was the guest of honor of the event. In her remarks she underscored that: “This anniversary is an important milestone not only for ASEAN but also for the entire region. For half a century the Association has gone a long way from a non-formal group of 5 countries to an authoritative regional organization that unites Southeast Asia and has proven itself to be one of the centers of the emerging multi-polar world”.
Ambassador Sorreta likewise highlighted the crucial role played by ASEAN’s Dialogue partners, including Russia, in promoting regional security and economic development in the Asia Pacific.
“Last year, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia Dialogue. We commemorated this through a historic summit meeting in Sochi where our Leaders agreed to work towards a comprehensive and strategic ASEAN-Russia partnership”, Ambassador Sorreta added.
Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta (left) and Director Lyudmila Vorobyova delivering their respective remarks at the diplomatic reception in celebration of ASEAN’s 50th founding anniversary held on 8 August 2017 at the Embassy of the Philippines in Moscow. (Photo by C. Narvaez)
Director Vorobiova noted that “a very important step in this direction are the agreements reached the day before yesterday by the foreign ministers of our countries that approved important documents on further development and deepening of the relations and tomorrow’s opening of the permanent mission of the Russian Federation in Jakarta.”
To showcase ASEAN’s cultural diversity and add color to the occasion, traditional dishes from the ten ASEAN member countries and folk dances from the Philippines and Indonesia were featured at the reception.
For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph. END
The Philippine Embassy Cultural Performing Group dances tinikling (bottom photo). The geol dance performed by Elisabeth Nur Nilasari and Ekaterina Makanina from the Indonesian Embassy (top photo). (Photo by C. Narvaez)
Members of the diplomatic corps, Russian government officials and businessmen as well as representatives from the academe, think tank community, and media celebrate ASEAN’s golden anniversary at the Philippine Embassy, together with officials and staff of ASEAN embassies in Moscow. (Photos by C. Narvaez and J. Leung of the Embassy of Brunei)
A buffet of signature Southeast Asian dishes prepared by the ASEAN Moscow Committee for the guests of the ASEAN Day reception held at the Embassy of the Philippines on 8 August 2017. (Photo by C. Narvaez)