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Walking event held in HCMC to celebrate ASEAN Day

The Saigon Times

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HCMC – The Consulate General of Indonesia in HCMC held the “ASEAN Day Fun Walk” event this morning, August 12, in celebration of the 56th ASEAN Day on August 8 and the ASEAN Chairmanship of Indonesia in 2023.

The event took place on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, District 1, with more than 1,000 participants, including officials of the HCMC government representatives from foreign diplomatic corps and local students in the city.

After enjoying a variety of musical and dance performances, the participants walked along Nguyen Hue, headed by HCMC Chairman Phan Van Mai and Indonesian Consul General Agustaviano Sofjan.

Speaking at the event, Consul General Sofjan said, “I hope through this walk we can feel the spirit of ASEAN’s togetherness. It’s not how far the distance of the walk that matters, but most importantly is the motivation to move forward and have a positive mind and to keep our body healthy.”

He also urged ASEAN members to demonstrate unity, creativity, and adaptability in dealing with emerging regional and international concerns.

According to HCMC Chairman Phan Van Mai, ASEAN has emerged as a significant regional organization over almost six decades. During this time, the association has fostered a strong bond among its members and established mutually beneficial partnerships with global counterparts, added Mai.

He said the first-ever “ASEAN Day Fun Walk” event would strengthen the solidarity among ASEAN members and international partners.

Indonesia has aimed to develop a unified, inclusive, and resilient community during its ASEAN Chairmanship 2023 under the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.”

The Southeast Asian nation’s focus is laid on fostering a rules-based, people-oriented ASEAN that embodies the principles of “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.”

Indonesian Consul General Sofjan delivers opening remarks during the event
HCMC Chairman Phan Van Mai (R) gives flowers to Indonesian Consul General Sofjan
HCMC Chairman Phan Van Mai (4th R) and representatives of the ASEAN countries’ consulates general in HCMC pose for a group photo
The ASEAN Flag is raised to kick off the walk
The participants walk along Nguyen Hue pedestrian street
Local participants are seen ambling near the flagpoles of ASEAN and its member nations at Bach Dang Wharf on Ton Duc Thang Street
Over 1,000 locals and foreigners join the event
HCMC Chairman Phan Van Mai and Indonesian Consul General Agustaviano Sofjan engage in a discussion during their walk
Emily Hamblin (L), British consul general in HCMC, and Sarah Hooper, Australian consul general in HCMC, take part in the event
Hungarian Consul General in HCMC Lehőcz Gábor (C) meets local participants
Triastuti Damarjati Sofjan (2nd L), the Indonesian consul general’s wife in HCMC, poses for a photo with other participants
Artists in traditional ASEAN costumes perform on stage
Local students in HCMC showcase their talent with traditional Vietnamese instruments

 

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