Prague, 08 August 2023 – Philippine Ambassador Eduardo R. Meñez, Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague (ACP), led the celebration of the 56th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), at a diplomatic reception at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, Czech Republic on 08 August 2023.

“It is the ASEAN Committee in Prague’s shared objective, through joint activities such as today, to broaden and deepen the general public’s knowledge and understanding of ASEAN. We have several events lined up, all designed to expose the various sectors of Czech society to issues that will bring us together for a better future,” said Ambassador Meñez.

The Ambassador cited the significance of ASEAN to its citizens and to the world, its centrality in the region, and its projected growth.

Ms. Katerina Sequensova, Director General for Non-European Countries, Economic and Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, remarked that the Czech Republic is “well aware that ASEAN includes some of the fastest growing economies in the world, . . . and that is why trade and economic relations are traditionally the major pillars of the Czech Republic’s cooperation with most of the ASEAN countries.”

Following the initial part of the reception’s program, ambassadors and diplomats of ACP Embassies modeled their traditional dresses at a fashion show, directed by Philippine fashion designer Marcos Ferdinand Omaga, to introduce the exhibit “Woven Identities: Clothing Traditions of ASEAN” to about 200 guests.

Dr. Helena Koenigsmarkova, Director of the Museum of Decorative Arts, joined the ACP Ambassadors and Ms. Sequensova, in cutting the ribbon to open the two-week exhibition (or up to 21 August 2023), held in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.