On January 8, Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, the spouse of General Secretary To Lam, warmly welcomed the ASEAN Women’s Circle in Hanoi (AWCH) for a New Year gathering ahead of the Lunar New Year celebration.

The AWCH includes female ambassadors, spouses of ambassadors, leaders, and female staff from ASEAN embassies in Hanoi, as well as the spouses of Ministry of Foreign Affairs leaders and female officials from the ministry.

Strengthening bonds within the ASEAN community

Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly expressed her heartfelt sentiments, addressing attendees as “dear sisters.” She shared her joy at reconnecting with AWCH members, especially female ambassadors and spouses from ASEAN partner countries.

Recalling the cultural activities held in October 2024 with AWCH, Mrs. Ly mentioned her fond memories of Northern Vietnamese culinary traditions, ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) fashion displays, and cultural art forms like Kim Hoang paintings.

She extended her New Year wishes, commending the group’s efforts to foster friendship and solidarity among ASEAN nations.

“This is my second time participating with the AWCH, and I feel a warm familial connection akin to a large ASEAN family,” Mrs. Ly remarked.

She congratulated Laos on successfully chairing ASEAN in 2024 and expressed confidence in Malaysia’s ability to lead in 2025.

Mrs. Ly highlighted that 2025 marks Vietnam’s 30th anniversary of joining ASEAN, reaffirming her commitment to supporting the AWCH in strengthening regional unity and development.

In her elegant purple ao dai, she noted, “Purple symbolizes loyalty, and I hope the solidarity and friendship among ASEAN nations and their partners remain steadfast.”

Cultural exchange and artistic harmony

Representing AWCH, Mrs. Akiko Morioka, spouse of the Malaysian ambassador, thanked Mrs. Ly for her participation in AWCH events, including her visit to Malaysia in November 2024.

“ASEAN is more than policies and documents; it represents friendship and mutual respect, the foundation of our peaceful and prosperous region,” said Mrs. Morioka.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized the significance of 2025 as the 10th anniversary of the AWCH’s establishment, which was initiated during ASEAN’s 48th anniversary and Vietnam’s 20th year as a member.

The AWCH has expanded over the years, forming a network of 19 ASEAN partners and engaging with ASEAN capitals. Its meaningful activities have fostered cultural exchanges and strengthened international friendships.

During the gathering, attendees enjoyed a special concert performed by artists from the Vietnam National Academy of Music and explored paintings by Le Thieu Ngan, wife of former Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Phu Binh.

The event showcased traditional Vietnamese delicacies, including banh com (green rice cakes) and banh phu the (husband and wife cake), along with seasonal fruits.

Mrs. Ly and the diplomats reflected on how music and art, though different in expression, combine to evoke powerful emotions of love and unity.