THE HAGUE, Netherlands: The aroma of nasi lemak and fresh teh tarik filled the air, while captivating cultural performances set the tone for a vibrant Asean Day 2025 celebration here.
The colourful showcase of South-East Asia's rich heritage came to life as the Embassy of Malaysia, together with the embassies of Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, marked the occasion on Friday with a renewed call for unity.
Guests enjoyed a lively morning of cultural exchange, warm camaraderie, and the unmistakable flavours of Asean hospitality, with Malaysian favourites – nasi lemak, teh tarik and the specially prepared serawa durian – proving crowd-pleasers that drew praise from attendees.
In a statement, the Embassy of Malaysia in The Hague said diplomats, government officials, and members of the public gathered to celebrate the region's diversity under this year's theme: "Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Asean Future."
Ambassador of Malaysia and Chair of the Asean Committee in The Hague (ACTH) Datuk Roseli Abdul in his welcoming remarks highlighted Asean's remarkable achievements over the decades and called for renewed efforts to build a resilient, innovative and people-centred Asean community.
The event was graced by the presence of Asean Ambassadors from Brussels, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste from London, representatives from the Dutch government and international organisations, as well as members of the media.
Gerrie Willems, representing the Netherlands Foreign Ministry, reaffirmed the close ties between Asean and the Netherlands. She expressed optimism that both sides would continue to explore new opportunities and strengthen cooperation based on mutual respect and shared values.
The Asean Day 2025 celebration was hailed as a resounding success, underscoring the shared commitment of Asean Member States to deepen friendship, cooperation, and cultural understanding in the Netherlands and beyond.
The event was supported by the Agriculture Counsellor Office, Matrade and Tourism Malaysia in The Hague. – Bernama
