In conjunction with ASEAN Day on 8 August, the Embassies of Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia in Lebanon came together on 9 August 2025 to mark the occasion in the city of Batroun. The programme began with a cultural tour of Batroun, guided by the Municipal Council, which offered participants valuable insight into the town’s history, architecture, and traditions. This was followed by a luncheon attended by H.E. Marcelino Hark, Mayor of Batroun Municipality, the three ASEAN Embassies based in Lebanon, and friends of ASEAN.
- During the luncheon, Ambassador Dato’ Azri delivered his remark on behalf of the ASEAN Embassies, expressing gratitude to Mayor Hark and Batroun Municipality for their warm hospitality and for hosting the enriching cultural tour earlier in the day. He introduced ASEAN to the attendees and its goals of peace, cooperation, and development. He emphasised ASEAN’s motto, One Vision, One Identity, One Community, and Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship priorities of inclusivity, sustainability, and strengthened partnerships — including with Lebanon. He stressed that food is a powerful way to connect cultures, with each dish served reflecting ASEAN’s diversity, warmth, and spirit of togetherness.
- Guests enjoyed a variety of traditional dishes: Malaysia’s roti jala, banana cake, and batik cake; the Philippines’ street food platter and crispy turon; and Indonesia’s asinan bogor and lapis legit. Each dish was presented by the respective Embassies with a short story about its heritage and cultural significance.
