ASEAN Family Day in Moscow Celebrates Regional Solidarity and Cooperation

The ASEAN Committee in Moscow (AMC) solemnly organized the ASEAN Family Day 2026 at the Hanoi-Moscow Multifunctional Complex (INCENTRA) in Moscow on August 7, commemorating the 59th anniversary of ASEAN's founding (August 8, 1967 - August 8, 2026). This occasion served to strengthen solidarity, promote cultural exchange, and celebrate the common achievements of ASEAN member nations. The official program began with the ASEAN flag hoisting ceremony and the performance of the ASEAN anthem and the theme song of the Philippines' ASEAN Chairmanship year, creating a solemn and cohesive atmosphere. Following the opening ceremony, the Heads of Delegations participated in a group photo session, capturing a moment of solidarity for the ASEAN community in Moscow. Speaking at the event, Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Igor Bailen, who is also the rotating Chairman of the ASEAN Moscow Committee (AMC), emphasized that ASEAN was built on the foundation of solidarity and sincere cooperation, with the highest goal of bringing benefits to the people. Reviewing ASEAN's nearly 60-year journey of formation and development, the AMC Chairman noted that ASEAN has grown from 5 founding members with a population of about 187 million in 1967 to a community of 11 countries with over 700 million people, accounting for nearly 9% of the world's population and becoming one of the most successful regional cooperation organizations. According to the AMC Chairman, in the context of the region and the world facing many challenges, ASEAN continues to play its role as a factor promoting peace, stability, and development, while strengthening cooperation with partners, including the Russian Federation. He also highlighted some notable activities of the ASEAN Moscow Committee over the past year, particularly the successful coordination of the 35th Anniversary Summit of ASEAN-Russia Relations in Kazan in June, as well as activities promoting ASEAN's culture and identity in Russia. Emphasizing that ASEAN will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027, the AMC Chairman expressed his hope that member states will continue to uphold the spirit of solidarity and jointly build an increasingly cohesive, resilient, and people-oriented ASEAN Community. He affirmed that ASEAN will continue to be a positive factor for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and around the world. On this occasion, the AMC Chairman thanked the ASEAN member embassies, partners, and supporting units, including the Vietnamese Embassy in the Russian Federation and the Hanoi-Moscow Multifunctional Complex (INCENTRA), for their support in successfully organizing ASEAN Family Day 2026. Within the framework of the program, cultural and artistic activities, introductions to special cuisine, and interesting exchange games were also held. Delegates and guests participated in lively games such as table tennis, chess, and traditional folk games. Prior to this, Ambassadors and Chargé d'affaires a.i. of ASEAN countries met with the management of the Hanoi-Moscow Multifunctional Complex (INCENTRA). The meeting discussed the complex's activities, INCENTRA's role in connecting the Vietnamese community in Russia, and promoting cultural, economic, and people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam, ASEAN countries, and the Russian Federation.