Terming solidarity and unity as hallmark of South and Central Asian region, President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday said the bonds that bring together people of the region, are deeply rooted in history, culture, religion and shared values.
“Navruz is symbolic to this common heritage,” President Zardari said in his remarks at the Navruz International Conference 2012, which marked the beginning of Navruz celebrations in Tajikistan. Leaders and heads of delegation of various regional countries including the presidents of Iran and Afghanistan are attending the Navruz celebrations. President Zardari, who was attending the Navruz celebrations on the invitation of his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon, said he was happy to be in the beautiful city of Dushanbe once again.
“The ongoing Navruz celebrations have added colour and a new spirit to this vibrant city,” he added. The president extended his sincere wishes to the people of Tajikistan as they had come together to celebrate the Navruz Festival. “This joyous occasion has come to represent peace, tolerance and friendship among all civilizations of the world,” he added.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, speaking on the occasion, also called for unity and solidarity among the regional countries for peace, progress, development of the people of region, who share common culture and heritage. They also extended their heartiest felicitations to the people of Tajikistan on Navruz celebrations and thanked the Tajik president for inviting them to join the festivities. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, in his welcome remarks, expressed his gratitude to the presidents of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran for participating in the Navruz celebrations and said it was a great moment for the people of Tajikistan as leaders from brotherly countries had joined him in the Navruz festivities.
Later, President Zardari alongwith with his Tajik, Afghan and Iranian counterparts and other heads of delegations witnessed the Navruz exhibition, where local handicrafts, art-work, agricultural produce, traditional food etc. were displayed, depicting Tajik culture and heritage. The president along with other dignitaries also witnessed a lively mega cultural show, in which young Tajik boys and girls attired in bright and colorful costumes, presented tableau and folk dances. President Rahmon also hosted a banquet for President Zardari and other dignitaries.
