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08 August 2024, Ottawa City Hall - The ASEAN Committee in Ottawa (ACO) led the celebrations of the 57th ASEAN Day at the Jean Pigott Place, Ottawa City Hall. In attendance were representatives of various government agencies, members of the diplomatic corps and the business community, and the Ottawa public.

In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Canada, H.E. Maria Andrelita S. Austria, who currently chairs the ACO, shared key moments of ASEAN-Canada relations – from cooperative and economic engagements under the ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Partnership, to recent high-level activities as Canada becomes an ASEAN Strategic Partner. According to Ambassador Austria, “ASEAN-Canada relations have never been this active – driven by a deep sense of purpose, and a keen awareness of each other’s relevance to the pursuit of our national interests,  as well as our shared international advocacies.”

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe remarked on the rich contribution of the growing ASEAN community to the cultural vibrancy of the city, and the residents’ sense of inclusivity and diversity.

The celebration featured cuisines representing the countries in the region. With the theme “Same Same, but Different,” the ACO aimed to highlight through our food the similarities we share as close neighbors, and the uniqueness of our own distinct culture.

(ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam)