ASEAN Ankara Committee (AAC) Celebrates ASEAN 50 with Cultural Night at the National Library of Turkey
Performers during the ASEAN Awareness Week at the National Library of Turkey on 13 September 2017. (Photo credits: Mr. Francis Villamin)
18 September 2017 – The ASEAN Ankara Committee featured an ASEAN cultural program as part of the activities during the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Awareness Week at the National Library of Turkey on September 14.
The program commenced with the opening remarks by Philippine Ambassador Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez, current Chair of the AAC, highlighting that “Turkey’s status as ASEAN’s newest sectoral dialogue partner is a strong signal of the commitment between ASEAN and Turkey to forge not only deeper political and economic ties, but also to establish lasting cultural linkages between our nations and peoples.” Ambassador Sanchez added that cultural linkages are important to building a shared understanding and appreciation among nations and peoples.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ersin Ercin cited ASEAN as a genuine example of multiculturalism and an important centre of attraction in today’s world. Turkey follows ASEAN’s increasing significance and role in the region with close interest.
Ambassador Ercin also announced that “Perceptions”, the academic publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will dedicate one issue to the 50th anniversary of ASEAN. The Foreign Ministry’s Strategic Research Institute (SAM) will also organize a seminar on ASEAN-Turkey Relations in Ankara in October 2017.
The ASEAN cultural program started off with a short introductory film on ASEAN followed by cultural performances from Indonesian students dancing to the Kipas Dance and the Panji Semirang Dance. Singapore featured a short film called the Bunga Sayang which means “Flower of Love” in Malay. The Philippines performed three cultural dances called Bulaklakan, Paypay de Manila and Tinikling.
The final part of the program was a showcase of the National Costumes of the seven ASEAN Embassies represented in Turkey namely, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. END
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Group photo of the ASEAN Ankara Committee Heads of Missions, with the models of the cultural fashion show from each ASEAN Embassy represented in Turkey and their children at the ASEAN Cultural Program. (Photo credits: Mr. Francis Villamin)