01 October 2014 – The ASEAN embassies based in Berne, Switzerland, under the current chairmanship of the Philippines, held a friendly bowling competition on September 28.

In his welcome message, Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Leslie Baja thanked everyone for coming to the event. He underscored the importance of everyone’s participation in building camaraderie among the ASEAN embassies in Berne.

“We hope that this event will just be the first of several events that will foster camaraderie among the members of our ASEAN family in Berne. This is an important step towards building an ASEAN community and fostering an ASEAN identity,” said Ambassador Baja. 

A ceremonial throw by the five ASEAN ambassadors following Ambassador Baja’s welcome message officially marked the start of the friendly competition.

Fifty (50) players from the five ASEAN countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam—competed in the tournament. After three games, prizes were awarded to the best team and the best male and female players.

After the awarding ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen The Phiet officially closed the event. In his message, Ambassador Nguyen said that, as incoming chair of the ASEAN in Berne, Vietnam is already planning to hold similar activities in the future to continue the work started by the Philippines in helping to build a stronger ASEAN community in Switzerland. Vietnam will take over the chairmanship from the Philippines in January 2015.

The activity helped strengthen the bond of friendship among the ASEAN group and at the same time, put the focus on health and fitness.  END