The ASEAN Embassies in Switzerland celebrated the 44th Anniversary of the establishment of the Association of South East Asian Nations with a Family Day on 30 July 2011 in Berne.

ASEAN is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. ASEAN was founded on 8 August 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. A total of seven representations of ASEAN Countries are located in Berne and Geneva, which are accredited to Switzerland.

The Family Day featured a cultural presentation depicting traditional dances, music from member countries, a selection of culinary specialties as well as games/light sports competition among ASEAN Embassies staff, their families and other participants. Invited guests include officials from the Swiss Government and other diplomatic representatives in Berne.

The ASEAN Embassies are undertaking activities geared towards building an ASEAN Community by 2015, and this anniversary celebration is consistent with ASEAN`s goal to foster greater appreciation and understanding of ASEAN`s diverse culture and heritage, and manifests ASEAN solidarity and shared cultural identity.

In time to come, the ASEAN Embassies in Switzerland will organize other events to promote ASEAN in Switzerland as well as to promote the spirit of ASEAN among the ASEAN Communities in Switzerland which have been part of the Swiss multicultural community.

This event was co-organized by diplomats from the ASEAN Embassies in Berne, under the coordination of H.E. Mr. Djoko Susilo, Ambassador of Indonesia.