The embassies of Indonesia and Philippines celebrate 55th anniversary of the foundation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
The embassies of Indonesia and the Philippines in Damascus organized a friendly bowling competition on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that was established on 8th August 1967.
The event was held recently at the Damskino Mall at the Kafr Sousa District in city of Damascus.
Wajid Fawzi, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Syria said in his statement to Syria Times e- newspaper that, I sincerely wish that today’s gathering will enhance the friendship between ASEAN and Syrian Arab Republic.
“The Association’s achievements and visions are accomplished through blending of values of all ASEAN societies, and this was not easy, but it was the aspiration that our founding fathers choose,” He added.
The Indonesian Ambassador also said that, “the principles on how ASEAN interact within its members, we called it an ASEAN way and are also reflected on how ASEAN member states interact with other friendly countries. The principles such as respect, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and nation identity, non-interference and upholding the UN charter and international law are becoming more and more relevant in today’s world”.
Fawzi added that, today’s event is on how we promote the ASEAN way to our friendly country, the Syrian Arab Republic”.
“Through this Bowling friendship tournament, I truly hope to enhance further cooperation between ASEAN and the Syrian Arab Republic”, Ambassador Fawzi said.
VIDA Soraya S.Verzosa, Charge d’ Affairs of embassy of the Republic of Philippines to Syria said to ST e-newspaper that “Sport diplomacy is very important aspect for enhancing our cultural cooperation”.
“Philippines and Syria have signed an agreement on cultural cooperation and under this agreement, we have promised to help each other and strengthen culture including the culture of sport”, She said
“So I believe that sport supports the developing of the relationship between Philippines, Indonesia and Syria”, S.Verzosa added .
“We are one family and one community and this community will be stronger if we have this relationship” she said.
“I do admire the brave Syrian people, because they faced the years of war bravely. Syria also continues to battle the difficulties it faced after the war”, she said.
“This event will give us a happy memory of our friendship in enhancing the friendly relationship among Syria, Philippines and Indonesia”, S.Verzosa concluded.
Wassim Nanaa, Consul General of the Philippines in Aleppo city told ST e-newspaper that, this event today which was organized by Indonesia and Philippines embassies celebrating the 55th anniversary of ASEAN here in Damascus, has chosen a game Bowling to say “we are one people with one goal”.
Reported: by Nada Haj Khidr
Photos: Mahfouz Abou Hadeer
