The photography exhibition “Impressive ASEAN”, accompanied by an Indonesian, Malay, and Vietnamese cuisine exchange, has opened in Venezuela on October 7. Organised by the ASEAN Committee in Caracas (ACC) with contributions from the embassies of Indonesia, Malaysia, and incumbent ACC President Vietnam, the week-long exhibition focuses on culture, tourism, and each participating country’s Venezuelan relationship. Its 45 outstanding photographs offer visitors an overview of ASEAN’s dynamism and drive towards a unified community by 2015. The organising board and opening ceremony attendees reserved one minute’s silence in tribute to Vietnamese General Vo Nguyen Giap’s recent passing. Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Ngo Tien Dung said the exhibition is intended to strengthen the friendship and mutual understanding shared by the three ASEAN countries and their Venezuelan partner. He confirmed ASEAN’s intention to expand its multi-faceted relations with the Common Market of South America (MERCOSUR) and its current Chair Venezuela. Elena Gil, a Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, acknowledged the tradition of friendship between her country and the ACC. She hopes Venezuela’s cooperation with ASEAN can open up and explore promising emerging opportunities within the cultural, tourism, and artistic spheres. VOV