The event brought together women ambassadors, spouses of diplomats, and prominent women from ASEAN countries, fostering a warm atmosphere of friendship and cultural exchange.

The ASEAN Women’s Circle of Hanoi (AWCH) was founded on August 11, 2015, in celebration of the 48th anniversary of ASEAN’s establishment and 20 years of Vietnam’s membership in the organization. The AWCH consists of women ambassadors, spouses of ambassadors, female leaders, and staff from the embassies of ASEAN nations, along with spouses of leaders from Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and some female officials.

Speaking at the gathering, Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly expressed her delight at meeting the members of the AWCH during Hanoi’s pleasant autumn weather. She shared her heartfelt connection with the group, informally addressing them as “sisters” and expressed her hope to make more lasting friendships through the event.

Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly congratulated the AWCH on its achievements over the past decade, praising the creativity and dedication of its members. She acknowledged that the cultural and people-to-people exchanges organized by the group have significantly contributed to ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen solidarity. The group’s activities not only promote the role and contributions of women in society but also spread positive community values across ASEAN and the world, fostering closer connections.

She also affirmed her readiness to support and accompany the “sisters” on the path ahead, helping to build stronger bridges of friendship across the region and beyond.

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam, Khamphao Ernthavanh, emphasized ASEAN's vital role in fostering cooperation and integration among member states through its three pillars: Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural. She highlighted the socio-cultural pillar's importance in creating a shared identity among Southeast Asians through cultural exchanges, social development, and regional integration.

The Lao Ambassador also noted Vietnam’s crucial role in advancing women's empowerment, pointing out that Vietnamese women have long contributed to the nation's development and socio-economic progress throughout history.

The AWCH has demonstrated the significant contributions of ASEAN women to diplomacy, serving as a bridge for cooperation and friendship between Vietnamese women and their ASEAN counterparts, as well as between ASEAN and countries worldwide.

Honorary Chair of the AWCH, Mrs. Vu Thi Bich Ngoc, wife of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, shared that after nearly 10 years of activity, the AWCH has grown closer and expanded its initiatives. From its early days, the group has gradually built a network involving 19 ASEAN partners and has extended its influence to the capitals of ASEAN nations, fostering the image of an ASEAN family and the solidarity of ASEAN women.

Mrs. Vu Thi Bich Ngoc expressed her appreciation for Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly's presence and praised her for leaving a lasting impression on the international community through her elegant Ao Dai and contributions to cultural diplomacy.

“Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly’s appearance in stunning Ao Dai and her involvement in diplomatic exchanges have left a deep impression on international friends, reflecting the beauty of Vietnamese culture and inspiring pride among women in diplomacy,” Mrs. Vu Thi Bich Ngoc shared.

During the event, Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly and the AWCH members savored traditional Vietnamese dishes such as bun cha, cha gio, and a selection of “home-cooked” meals like ca kho to (braised fish in a clay pot), canh chua (sour soup), rau cu kho quet (vegetables with dipping sauce), and com nieu (clay pot rice). They also enjoyed an Ao Dai fashion show, showcasing the beauty of Vietnam's traditional dress.

In addition, the participants were introduced to and experienced the making of Kim Hoang paintings, a type of traditional folk art that originated in the late 18th century in Kim Hoang village, Hoai Duc district, Hanoi.