PH Embassy Hosts ASEAN Anniv in Prague
Ambassador to Czech Republic Ombra T. Jainal delivers his welcome remarks during the ASEAN 51st anniversary. (Prague PE photo)
PRAGUE 05 October 2018 – The ASEAN’s relationship with the Czech Republic, as well as with the European Union as the organization’s dialogue partner was highlighted during the ASEAN Day celebration held on 24 September 2018.
The Philippine Embassy in Prague hosted the celebration, on behalf of the ASEAN Committee in Prague (ACP), which consists of the Embassies of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
More than 100 representatives from the Czech government, members of the diplomatic corps of Embassies of the ASEAN, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, Asian Ambassadors’ Group and Visegrad four countries joined the celebration hosted by Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic Ombra T. Jainal.
The ASEAN Day celebration started with the singing of the ASEAN Hymn followed by welcome remarks by Ambassador Jainal, speech by ACP Chair Malaysian Ambassador Zanariah Bt Zainal Abidin, and congratulatory remarks of Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director of Asia-Pacific Ambassador Martin Klepetko.
Ambassador Jainal said that ASEAN countries have come together to promote regional security and prosperity despite its political, economic, cultural and religious diversity. He said that through consensus, ASEAN works together to encourage trade, promote regional peace and maritime security, foster innovation that is significant for the Asia-Pacific region.
Malaysian Ambassador noted that this year’s theme under Singapore’s chairmanship is “resilient and innovative ASEAN” that sets the region to manage the challenges and harness the opportunities in the digital technologies. She invited Czech business to take advantage of the ASEAN economic growth and market.
Ambassador Klepetko conveyed Czech Republic’s continuing commitment to its partnership with ASEAN member countries and EU’s dialogue partnership with ASEAN. He also acknowledged Czech’s long-time engagement in Southeast Asia with Czech missionaries in the 18th century and the establishment of the first Commercial Office and Bata shoe factory in the Philippines.
All five Embassies served their native delicacies to showcase Southeast Asia’s culinary delights. The Embassy served chicken adobo, mango float, bibingka and palitaw balls with yema filling. END
Ambassador to Czech Republic Ombra T. Jainal hosts the 51st anniversary of ASEAN, together with (from left) Indonesian Ambassador Aulia Aman Rachman, Malaysian Ambassador Zanariah Bt Zainal Abidin, Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director of Asia-Pacific Ambassador Martin Klepetko, Vietnamese Ambassador Ho Minh Tuan, and Thai Chargé d’Affaires Nattanipa Burusapat. (Prague PE photo)
Guests listen to remarks of ACP Chairperson Malaysian Ambassador Zanariah Bt Zainal Abidin and Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director of Asia-Pacific Ambassador Martin Klepetko. (Prague PE photo)
Members of the ASEAN Committee in Prague Working Group pose for a group photo. (Prague PE photo)
For more information, visit www.praguepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinCzechRepublic/.