Indonesian Embassy and ASEAN Embassies in Bern introduced ASEAN diversity to populace in Bern through “ASEAN Cultural Day”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

On 16 September 2007, Indonesian Embassy along with 5 Residence ASEAN Embassies to Switzerland ( Malaysia , the Philippines , Thailand , Vietnam and Cambodia ) hosted an ASEAN Cultural Day, which took place at Kultur Casino Bern. Among others, the event was also attended by 2 non-residence ASEAN Embassies to Switzerland ( Brunei and Myanmar Embassy). Bearing the theme “One ASEAN at the Heart of Dynamic of Asia”, The ASEAN Cultural Day was initiated by Indonesian Embassy and became the first ASEAN event in Bern , which was jointly organised by the 6 Embassies. The Event was dedicated to commemorate the 40 th anniversary of ASEAN. Not less important, the event was also aimed at promoting the awareness of ASEAN to Swiss public and diplomatic community in Bern .

 
 

The half-day event, held from 11.30 to 16.30, was opened by the Vietnamese Ambassadors on behalf of ASEAN member countries in a Diplomatic Reception, which was attended by at least 200 important guests from diplomatic community, including the Major of Bern, Mr. Alexander Tschappat as the Guest of Honour, Secretary General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland and foreign ambassadors accredited to Switzerland.

 

 

After the opening ceremony, presentation of cultural performances for public by 6 ASEAN embassies in Bern marked the celebration of ASEAN Cultural Day. A number of performances, such as traditional dances, martial arts, and folk songs, were applauded by 500 public attendances in the event. Indonesian Embassy has participated in a variety of performances, such as traditional fashion parade, Dayak Dance by Indonesiana children's group, Bali Dance, and traditional folksongs. Another highlight of the event was food and handy craft bazaars from Indonesia , Malaysia , Thailand , the Philippines , and Vietnam . Among other embassies participants, Indonesian national food and handy crafts, such as satay, soto, pempek, lamps, bags, and cosmetics took special attention from the attendances, in which the display of these culinary and arts have reflected the beauty and richness of Indonesia.