ASEAN Committee in Abu Dhabi Hosts Reception in Celebration of ASEAN’s 50th Founding Anniversary
UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan join Heads of ASEAN Embassies in the UAE at the ASEAN’s 50th founding anniversary celebration on October 23 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Abu Dhabi. (L-R) Malaysian Ambassador Syed MD Hasrin Tengku Hussin, Singapore Ambassador Samuel Tan, Vietnam Ambassador Trinh Vinh Quang, His Higness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Thai Ambassador Komate Kamalanavin, Philippine Ambassador Constancio R. Vingno Jr., Indonesia Ambassador Husin Bagis, and Brunei Darussalam Charge d’ Affaires Soekarddy Haji Abdullahsani.
30 October 2017 ABU DHABI – Strong bilateral and economic ties between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region and the United Arab Emirates were highlighted in a reception held on October 23 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Abu Dhabi, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN.
The reception was hosted by the ASEAN Committee in Abu Dhabi (ACAD), composed of Heads of ASEAN Embassies in the UAE, namely, Ambassador Husin Bagis (Indonesia), Ambassador Syed MD Hasrin Tengku Hussin (Malaysia), Ambassador Constancio R. Vingno Jr. (Philippines), Ambassador Samuel Tan (Singapore), Ambassador Komate Kamalanavin (Thailand), Ambassador Trinh Vinh Quang (Viet Nam), and Charge d’ Affaires Soekarddy Haji Abdullahsani (Brunei Darussalam).
Thai Ambassador to the UAE and Chairman of ACAD Komate Kamalanavin said in his remarks, “Within the GCC, ASEAN has found a like-minded partner in the UAE. Both ASEAN and the UAE see the benefits of an open international trading environment. The UAE itself occupies strategic geographical location between ASEAN region and, most importantly, our key trading partner in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa. Beyond commerce and trade, our cooperation with UAE extends to a variety of sectors which includes culture, defense, tourism, education and sustainability.”
Ambassador Kamalanavin also emphasized that nationals of ASEAN Member States working and living in the UAE form a major expatriate community in the country. “Among the seven ASEAN countries represented tonight, we have approximately 750,000 citizens currently living and working in the UAE,” he cited.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan graced the reception as Guest of Honor and represented the UAE leadership during the event. Also in attendance were Director of the East Asia and Pacific Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other UAE officials.
More than 400 attended the event including members of the diplomatic corp, leaders of the Filipino community, personalities from the business sector and the media.
The event also included a buffet to showcase various ASEAN culinary specialties and delicacies, the singing of “ASEAN Spirit” song, video presentations and cultural performances by different ASEAN communities in the UAE, a photo exhibit by the ASEAN Ladies’ Circle – Abu Dhabi, and a display of booths to promote products and tourist destinations in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
On behalf of ACAD, Ambassador Kamalanavin expressed his sincere appreciation to companies and private sectors who have rendered support to the reception. These are the Royal Brunei Airlines, Khino, Eversendai, Operon, Mamak Restaurant, Petronas, Power Root, Chowking, Greg’s Special La Paz Batchoy, Hot Palayok Restaurant and Grill, Max’s Restaurant, Cebu Pacific, Abu Dhabi Travel Bureau, Philippine Airlines, Kainan Filipino Restaurant Abu Dhabi, Nasser Al Shamsi Advocacy & Legal Consultancy, NMC Healthcare, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways, Vega Intertrade & Exhibition, and LPVN General Trading of Thailand. END
For more information, visit www.abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph or www.facebook.com/PHinUAE.
Heads of ASEAN Embassies in the UAE perform the traditional ASEAN handshake with His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at a reception to commemorate ASEAN’s 50th Founding Anniversary.
The ASEAN Ladies’ Circle – Abu Dhabi