The event, themed “Colours of ASEAN Culture”, was organised by the Ha Noi Union of Friendship Organisations in coordination with the Embassy of the Philippines — which holds the ASEAN Chair in 2026 — and the embassies of other ASEAN member states in Viet Nam.
The programme marked the 81st National Day of Viet Nam (September 2, 1945-2026), the 59th anniversary of ASEAN’s founding (August 8, 1967-2026), and 31 years since Viet Nam officially joined the bloc on July 28, 1995.
In his opening remarks, Nguyen Ngoc Ky, Chairman of the Ha Noi Union of Friendship Organisations, said Viet Nam’s 31-year journey with ASEAN had demonstrated the country’s increasingly proactive, active, and responsible engagement in the region. He added that ASEAN has remained an important pillar of Viet Nam’s foreign policy since its accession in 1995.
Ha Noi will continue to serve as a bridge connecting ASEAN embassies and international organisations, promoting people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, and the economy, Ky noted. The capital also looks forward to strengthening cooperation with ASEAN member states as the bloc begins implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Philippine Ambassador Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, representing the 2026 ASEAN Chair, said ASEAN had reaffirmed its central role in the region throughout its nearly six decades of development. He noted that 2026 also marks the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam’s diplomatic relations with both the Philippines and Thailand.
Since beginning his posting in Ha Noi in January 2026, the ambassador said he had observed many cultural similarities among ASEAN countries through their dances, costumes, musical instruments, and customs.
“This once again demonstrates the foresight of ASEAN’s founding leaders. We are truly one family, the ASEAN family,” he said, stressing the importance of preserving these shared cultural features to further strengthen regional bonds.
The event featured displays of traditional textiles, including silk, brocade, and batik, as well as selected One Commune, One Product (OCOP) products from Ha Noi. Guests also enjoyed traditional cuisine and cultural performances by Vietnamese artists and staff from ASEAN embassies, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of Southeast Asia.
