New Year Gathering of ASEAN Women’s Circle in Hanoi

On January 8, Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam, graciously hosted the ASEAN Women’s Circle in Hanoi (AWCH) for a New Year celebration, coinciding with the upcoming Lunar New Year festivities.

The AWCH consists of female ambassadors, their spouses, leaders, and female personnel from ASEAN embassies based in Hanoi, alongside spouses and female officials from Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During her welcoming speech, Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly warmly addressed the attendees as “dear sisters,” expressing her delight in reuniting with AWCH members, particularly the female ambassadors and their partners from ASEAN nations.

Reflecting on the cultural events held in October 2024 with AWCH, she fondly remembered the Northern Vietnamese culinary presentations, ao dai fashion showcases, and artistic expressions like Kim Hoang paintings.

In her New Year message, she praised the group’s dedication to enhancing camaraderie and cooperation among ASEAN countries.

“This is my second engagement with the AWCH, and I feel a deep familial bond similar to that of a large ASEAN family,” remarked Mrs. Ly.

She acknowledged Laos for its successful leadership of ASEAN in 2024 and expressed optimism regarding Malaysia’s upcoming role in 2025.

Highlighting that 2025 marks Vietnam’s 30-year anniversary of ASEAN membership, Mrs. Ly affirmed her commitment to aiding the AWCH in reinforcing regional unity and growth.

Dressed in a graceful purple ao dai, she remarked, “Purple symbolizes loyalty, and I wish for the unyielding solidarity and friendship among ASEAN nations and their partners.”

Mrs. Akiko Morioka, spouse of the Malaysian ambassador and representative of the AWCH, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Ly for her involvement in AWCH activities, including her visit to Malaysia in November 2024.

“ASEAN transcends policies and documents; it embodies friendship and mutual respect, which are the cornerstones of our harmonious and thriving region,” highlighted Mrs. Morioka.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang pointed out the significance of 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of the AWCH’s founding, established during the 48th anniversary of ASEAN and Vietnam’s 20th anniversary as a member.

Over the years, the AWCH has grown, creating a network of 19 ASEAN partners and interacting with various ASEAN capitals. Its impactful initiatives have promoted cultural exchanges and fortified international bonds.

During the event, attendees enjoyed a special concert featuring artists from the Vietnam National Academy of Music, accompanied by an exhibition of artworks from Le Thieu Ngan, spouse of former Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Phu Binh.

The gathering featured traditional Vietnamese treats like banh com (green rice cakes) and banh phu the (husband and wife cake), as well as seasonal fruits.

Mrs. Ly and the diplomats shared reflections on how music and art, despite their different forms, can powerfully convey love and unity.