Asean Day Reception Celebrates Ties Between Southeast Asian Nations, Qatar

Doha: Ambassador of Thailand to Qatar H E Sira Swangsilpa hosted the Asean Day reception at M7 Gallery Msheireb on September 9, 2025, in Thailand's capacity as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Committee in Doha (ACD) .

Each year, Asean Member States celebrate Asean Day, which marked the signing of the Bangkok Declaration and establishing the organisation on August 8, 1967. The Asean Committee in Doha, comprising the embassies of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, has continuously advanced Asean's core principles of peace, security, and socio-economic development, and has been working closely with Qatari authorities to strengthen cooperation in various aspects, including environmental protection and sustainable development.

The reception welcomed over 80 distinguished guests, including Director of MoFA Protocol Department H E Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, together with other high-ranking Qatari officials, Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, researchers and academia, entrepreneurs and local media.

In his remarks, Ambassador Swangsilpa underscored the importance of close collaboration between Asean member states and Qatar in all aspects. He also highlighted Asean's commitment to environmental responsibility, which aligns with Asean's sustainable development agenda and Qatar National Vision 2030.

Over the years, the ACD has also organised various initiatives on sustainability, including tree-planting under Qatar's Ten Million Trees Initiative, clean-up at Singing Sand Dunes campsite, and mangrove conservation efforts in Al Ruwais. These projects align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Qatar's efforts in environmental protection.

On the Asean Day, the guests were provided with the opportunity to experience immersive cultural exhibits, with each of the seven Asean Embassies in Doha showcasing national costumes, traditional crafts, and endeavours to promote sustainability, providing a snapshot into the rich heritage of Southeast Asia. The exhibits aimed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Asean's values and encourage meaningful dialogue between Asean and Qatar.

Following the reception, Thai Embassy in collaboration with Qatar Museums inaugurated an exhibition entitled, 'Thailand's Innovative Upcycling for Everyday Life', at M7 Gallery which would be on display till September 14, 2025. The exhibition highlights Thailand's human-centred approach to sustainability, integrating modern technology, local wisdom, and environmental responsibility.

MENAFN12092025000063011010ID1110052274