For the first time, the event took place in Iztapalapa, a district with deep-rooted connections to Vietnam. It is home to the only primary school in Latin America named after the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

During the opening ceremony, Iztapalapa Mayor Aleida Alavez Ruiz expressed her gratitude for ASEAN’s trust in selecting the district as the venue. She highlighted the district’s growing role in international cultural exchanges.

Mayor Ruiz assured that the local community is eager to foster stronger cultural and people-to-people ties with ASEAN, a region known for its rich heritage and significance as Mexico’s partner.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico, Nguyen Van Hai, serving as the Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Mexico, emphasized the ASEAN Bazaar’s role as a vital annual cultural diplomacy event. He stated that it fosters mutual understanding and strengthens the bond between nations.

With a population nearing 700 million and its central role in multilateral cooperation, ASEAN has become an indispensable partner for Mexico and Latin America in trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and inter-regional collaboration.

Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai commended Vietnam’s proactive role in strengthening ASEAN-Mexico relations, particularly within the CPTPP and the Pacific Alliance frameworks.

He highlighted Vietnam’s commitment to initiatives that promote mutual understanding and create practical cooperation opportunities for businesses, authorities, and local communities from both regions.

Vietnam consistently advocates for multilateralism, independence, self-reliance, and equitable cooperation among nations, he reaffirmed.

Ana Karina Rojo Pimentel, chair of the Mexico-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, welcomed ASEAN’s presence in Iztapalapa. She emphasized shared values such as respect for cultural identity, community-focused development, and people-centered growth.

These shared principles, she believed, would pave the way for expanded cooperation between Mexico and ASEAN under the CPTPP, enhanced parliamentary exchanges, and strengthened ties with the Pacific Alliance. Pimentel also shared her fond memories of Vietnam, praising its hospitality, discipline, and strong community spirit.

The festival showcased the diversity of Southeast Asia through traditional attire, handicrafts, and culinary delights. Embassies of Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand presented signature dishes like Vietnamese spring rolls, Thai pad Thai, and Indonesian rendang, along with popular ASEAN desserts made from coconut and mango.

A heartwarming performance by students from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Primary School captured the audience’s attention, extending a warm greeting from Iztapalapa to ASEAN.

The ASEAN Bazaar 2025 showcased the power of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ASEAN-Mexico relations. Vietnam’s proactive and responsible engagement continues to significantly contribute to ASEAN’s efforts in enhancing cooperation with Latin America, fostering mutual understanding, and solidifying the traditional friendship between the two regions.

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