The ASEAN night at the Doha Hilton Hotel last weekend, was held to highlight transfer of chairmanship of the ACD from Philippines Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos to Thai Ambassador Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum as new ACD chairman starting 2017.
The ACD groups ASEAN diplomatic representatives in Qatar including embassies of Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The ceremonies were also highlighted with arts performance and golf tournament. Indonesia contributed with Poco Poco dance that was named one of the best shows at the ASEAN Night.
A member of the ACD Working Group, Boy Dharmawan, told Antara of London, on Monday the ASEAN Night was the climax of the series of ACD activities highlighting the transfer of ACD chairmanship marked with the ASEAN flag handed over to the new chairman.
Ambassador Santos said ASEAN relations with Qatar had expanded contributing to ASEANs growing role in regional economic growth and prosperity .
He expressed condolence and sympathy for victims of recent quake in Aceh saying ACD would consider discussing relief aid for the quake victims.
The new ACD chairman Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum said ASEAN is an example of regional cooperation playing an important role in regional stability and prosperity.
Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar Muhamad Basri Sidehabi said ACD would maximize the economic opportunity in line with Qatars policy of "look east".
He said Indonesia would fully utilize cooperation between ASEAN and Qatars Chamber of Commerce and Industry by involving Indonesian business players.
ACD has succeeded in lifting ASEAN image in Qatar through joint promotion to international community in Qatar, he said, adding "ACD succeeded in promoting solidarity and unity among ASEAN people through synergy in economy, culture and sports.
Boy Dharmawan said ASEAN community of around 300,000 in Qatar is known to be active in taking part in various activities such as promotion of social culture.
He said ASEAN community took part in promoting Qatar as the host of the World Football Championship in 2022.
(Uu.H-ASG/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
