24th SAARC Charter Day - 8th December 2008

(December 18, Beijing, Sri Lanka Guardian) In celebrating the 24th Charter day of the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation, the SAARC Embassies in Beijing, namely Embassies of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka hosted a cultural evening ‘Rhythms of South Asia” at the Grand Ball Room of Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall on 8th December 2008. It was organized as an initiative by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing as the present SAARC Chair. The primary objective of the exercise was to create a better awareness amongst the Chinese people about the SAARC region which also simultaneously created a conducive atmosphere for further interactions amongst the SAARC nations, bringing its people closer.

The Assistant Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Hu Zhengyue graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and many high level Government Officials as well as Business Community, Media and friends of SAARC countries were also present. In his speech the Chief Guest reiterated China’s commitment to make unremitting efforts to boost its friendly co-operation with the South Asian Countries and SAARC as an observer state. China appreciated the contributions made by the SAARC in increasing the exchange and understanding among South Asian peoples, boosting economic co-operation and development across the region and upholding regional peace and stability.

Addressing the august gathering, Ambassador Karunatilaka Amunugama, stated that South Asia share a rich and common heritage that takes pride in sharing the bounties of nature, which has brought about a great harmony among the peoples of SAARC nations. Underlining the theme ““Partnership for Growth for our People” which aptly described SAARC’s role and contributions in pursuing a truly people centered robust partnership amongst member nations in which the Colombo Summit was concluded, the Ambassador reflected on the decisions taken at the Colombo Summit to establish the SAARC Food Bank as a means of alleviating poverty and empowering the region with food security. He also expressed the need to act with resolve to combat terrorism and highlighted the steps taken at the recent Summit by signing the SAARC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters which aptly demonstrating the commitment by all member nations to further strengthen the legal regime against terrorism. The South Asian Free Trade Agreement, was considered the “engine” to create a conducive market environment for growth of intra-SAARC trade and to reap the rewards of regional complementarities, and bolster the capacities of all SAARC countries to derive full benefits of economic co-operation particularly in arresting the financial crisis that is sweeping across the world.

The Ambassador highlighted that the President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Colombo Summit particularly observed the need to pursue a dialogue with the Observer States for constructive consultations, and project related cooperation and pointed out that one other reason for organizing the Charter Day Celebrations in Beijing was to focus on strengthening this partnership with observer countries and urged that China took a more proactive role in establishing a mutually rewarding relationship with the SAARC Nations.

The SAARC countries showcased their handicrafts, traditional costumes, paintings, etc., at the venue setting a perfect ambiance of a cultural mosaic with the rich cultural traditions, languages, arts and philosophies inherited and shared by the people and distributed leaflets on travel information of each country among the guests attended.

The guests were treated to a colorful evening of song and dance performed by South Asian students and teachers who are presently resident in China, all which depicted the vibrant nature of the SAARC, followed by a spice infused South Asian dinner adding flavour to the evening with a special dish from each SAARC nation. The students from the Tianjin Medical School, performed for Sri Lanka capturing the audience with their vibrant dances. - Sri Lanka Guardian