THE CELEBRATION OF THE 59TH ANNIVERSARY OF ASEAN ROYAL THAI EMBASSY IN LIMA, REPUBLIC OF PERU

The 59th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was commemorated in Lima on 7 August 2026, with a programme co-hosted by the Embassies of Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The event, held at the Royal Thai Embassy, marked a significant occasion for the ASEAN Committee in Lima (ACL), with Thailand serving as the Chair for 2026, having taken over from Malaysia in February 2026. The celebration brought together a distinguished gathering, including top management from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru, ambassadors from ASEAN Dialogue Partners, and other esteemed friends of ASEAN, reflecting the strengthening ties between the regional bloc and Peru.

The Embassy of Malaysia played a key role as co-host of a celebration, notably collaborating with Gano iTouch to highlight Malaysian wellness products through its “Coffee Diplomacy” initiative. This effort promoted Malaysian hospitality and halal-certified products to a global audience.

Further enriching the cultural tapestry of the celebration, Malaysia presented a traditional Zapin dance performance. The specific piece performed was Zapin Ya Maulai, a traditional Malay dance with roots in the artistic traditions of the Malay world. This dance holds profound cultural significance for Malay communities as a marker of identity and communal unity. Alongside performances from Thailand and Indonesia, Malaysia's contribution offered guests a vibrant and authentic showcase of Southeast Asian cultural heritage. Through both its commercial and cultural contributions, the Embassy of Malaysia effectively promoted the nation's products, heritage, and the shared values of the ASEAN community.