The event was attended by Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; ambassadors, heads of Representative Missions, embassy staff, delegations of all ASEAN countries and ASEAN dialogue partners in Hanoi, AWCH team members, Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, and their families.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc emphasised ASEAN's achievements in the more than half a century since its establishment, becoming an organisation that plays an important role in the peace, stability and security in the region; a vibrant and highly integrated economy; an inclusive, people-oriented and people-centred community; and a reliable partner for countries and organisations in the region and the world.
ASEAN Family Day 2022, held directly after two years of interruption by the COVID-19 pandemic, took place with the participation of a large number of delegates and guests, demonstrating the joint effort to defeat the COVID-19 epidemic as well as the strong support and commitment to ASEAN.
The event is an important forum to connect colleagues, friends, family in the ASEAN Community and partners in Hanoi, contributing to strengthening friendship and cooperation whileenhancing public awareness of the image and identity of ASEAN.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the exchange programme, Vu Thi Bich Ngoc, the wife of the Foreign Minister and Honorary Chairwoman of AWCH, affirmed that ASEAN Family Day has for many years been an expected activity every August; an opportunity for families and friends from ASEAN countries and partners to meet and cultivate friendship, solidarity and cooperation.
After the opening ceremony, a Friendship Cycling activity took place from the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the working house of the Ministry, with the participation of more than 200 delegates.
Cultural exchanges, sports, folk games and cuisine of ASEAN countries, were organised immediately after that at the destination of the friendship cycling journey.
