Myanmar Embassy Participates in ASEAN Day Reception in Pretoria

Pretoria, 20 August 2026

The Embassy of Myanmar in Pretoria participated in an ASEAN Day Reception hosted by the seven ASEAN resident diplomatic missions in Pretoria, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam, on 19 August 2026, from 14:00 to 17:00 hours, at the National Library of South Africa (NLSA), Pretoria.
The reception commemorated the 59th ASEAN Day, the 3rd Anniversary of the Establishment of the ASEAN–South Africa Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, and the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

The reception was graced by Ambassador Ms. Thandiwe Fadane, Acting Deputy Director-General of the Asia and Middle East Department of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), who attended as the Guest of Honour representing the Government of the Republic of South Africa. Approximately 250 guests, including Ambassadors and Heads of Mission based in Pretoria, senior government officials and other invited guests, attended the reception.

The programme commenced with the ASEAN Anthem, followed by the National Anthem of the Republic of South Africa. Welcome remarks were delivered by H.E. Ms. Myla Grace Ragenia C. Macahilig, Ambassador of the Philippines and Rotating Chair of the ASEAN Pretoria Committee (APC), followed by remarks from Ambassador Ms. Thandiwe Fadane, Guest of Honour.

Following the formal proceedings, the seven ASEAN diplomatic missions presented their respective national traditional attire, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and diversity of ASEAN Member States. The Embassy of Myanmar proudly showcased the traditional Jinghpaw attire, representing one of Myanmar’s rich and diverse ethnic cultures.

The cultural presentation was followed by a reception featuring a selection of traditional dishes and culinary specialties prepared by the seven ASEAN diplomatic missions, offering guests an opportunity to experience the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the ASEAN region.

The Embassy of Myanmar in Pretoria also presented a selection of traditional Myanmar dishes and refreshments, allowing guests to experience and appreciate Myanmar’s distinctive culinary heritage and cultural traditions.

The reception provided a valuable platform for the ASEAN Member States to strengthen friendship and cooperation with the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, while promoting greater understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural diversity and traditions of ASEAN.