The Philippine Embassy in Muscat participated in the celebration of the 48th anniversary of ASEAN held on August 10 at the Crowne Plaza Muscat. The event was jointly hosted by the diplomatic missions of ASEAN member countries (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand) in the Sultanate of Oman, and was highlighted by the presence of Undersecretary for Administrative and Financial Affairs of the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad bin Yousuf bin Qassim al Zaraffi, the guest of honor for the occasion. Around 200 guests from the diplomatic community, Omani government, private sector, and ASEAN communities attended the event.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam and Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Muscat (ACM) Dato Dr. Haji Besar bin Haji Abu Bakar, emphasized this year’s ASEAN theme which is “Our People, Our Community, Our Vision.” He underscored the achievements of ASEAN as a regional body which has built a framework within which the countries of Southeast Asia are able to work more closely together and resolve disputes.

Philippine Ambassador to Oman Narciso T. Castañeda, expressed the support of the Philippine Embassy to the ASEAN event and pointed out its importance in introducing the vibrant ASEAN region to the Omanis. “The ASEAN can provide a lot of opportunities for partnership with Oman in the area of trade, culture, education, and manpower, as the member countries are diverse and are progressing economically,” Ambassador Castañeda said.

The Philippine Embassy’s cultural section actively promoted the Philippine programs in tourism and trade during the event, which was received warmly by the attendees.