ASEAN COMMITTEE IN CAIRO HOLDS FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY

10 August 2026 - The Philippine Embassy joined the other ASEAN missions in Cairo in celebrating the 59th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Garden City. Other ASEAN missions present were Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. Ambassador Amr Hamza, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands Affairs was also in attendance as Guest of Honor.

Indonesian Ambassador Kuncoro Giri Wiseso welcomed guests including representatives of the various ASEAN missions, Egyptian universities and members of the media.

Philippine Ambassador Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil delivered her remarks as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Cairo. She highlighted the theme of the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship which is “Navigating Our Future, Together”. The theme reflects the ASEAN’s shared commitment to navigate an increasingly complex world while championing innovation, resilience and inclusivity, at the same time strengthening ASEAN’s three pillars to help build a rules-based, stable, meaningful, and people-centered region.

She also noted some significant ASEAN achievements in 2026 including the start of the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and the addition of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s eleventh Member-State.

Amb. Aviquivil said that there are nine out of eleven member states represented in Cairo, reflecting the importance attached to the relations with Egypt. She stated that ASEAN is an important partner for Egypt in trade, investment, education, tourism, innovation and people-to-people exchanges. Through the ASEAN Committee in Cairo, the different Missions work to collectively deepen ASEAN-Egypt relations as well as advancing respective bilateral partnerships.

Finally, Amb. Aviquivil reaffirmed the ASEAN’s commitment to strengthen partnerships and sustained progress for all ASEAN nations.

After the ceremony, guests partook of a variety of delicacies contributed by each Mission showcasing the rich gastronomy of the ASEAN. Among the dishes were the Philippines’ rich mango-yema and ube-macapuno cakes, as well as okoy shrimp and vegetable fritters.

Through joint activities like the flag hoisting ceremony, the ASEAN Committee in Cairo seeks to share the richness of ASEAN’s cultures, values and traditions with Egypt to strengthen the bonds among the countries and their peoples. END.