Katara to Launch the ASEAN Festival on April 30

Doha, April 26 (QNA) - The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) in collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asean nations in Doha announced the launch of Asean Festival on the 30th of this month, at Katara esplanade. The three-day event will unite the countries of Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore to enlighten visitors from all walks of life during the ASEAN Festival for this year in Katara. This was given during a press conference, held on Sunday with the presence of Katara Director General Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, and the Director of the Marketing International relations and cultural affairs department at Katara, from Katara. While Association of Southeast Asean nations is represented by HE Deddy Saiful Hadi, ambassador of the republic of Indonesia and the Chairman of ACDI, HE Dato Ahmad Jazri Mohamed Johar, Ambassador of Malaysia in Qatar and the Vice Chairman of the ACDI. The envoys of Thailand, Philippine, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, here in Doha, were also present at the Press conference. During the Press Conference, the Katara Director General Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim al Sulaiti said that it is a great forum to launch the activities of the ASEAN Festival which the Cultural Village Foundation "Katara" is organizing in conjunction with the Association of Southeast Asean Nation (ASEAN) between April 30th and May 2nd, 2015." Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti stressed the depth and strength of the relationship of the state Qatar and the nations of ASEAN. "This relationship is witnessing development and growth in the field of culture. The festival is an embodiment of the ingenuity and arts of seven Asean countries and the beauty, charm, and benefit they bring with them." Said Katara general director. The ASEAN Festival will include several and varied events and activities, such musicals, folkloric shows, art exhibitions, handicrafts stalls, and folkloric food. They all represent the multiculturalism of ASEAN countries. Explaining the role of Katara at organizing the Asean Festival, Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said: "The organization of this event stems from the pioneer role "Katara" is assuming and its relentless effort in enhancing communication, exchange, and cross-multiculturalism. This also satisfies the needs of people and leads these cultures to meet and blend, which is what "Katara" has been doing through hosting a lot of cultural events." For his part the HE Deddy Saiful Hadi, ambassador of the republic of Indonesia and the Chairman of ACDI, lauds the role of the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara at organizing similar grand events, HE said: "We would like to thank you to give us the opportunity to organize this important event." Ambassador of the republic of Indonesia and the Chairman of ACDI unveiled the fact that the Association of Southeast ASEAN nations consisted of 10 countries and it is diplomatically represented by 7 countries here in Doha. His Excellency shed light on the fact the Association of Southeast ASEAN nations are the most second successful international association after the European Union, given that it represents 600.000.000 people." During the event, visitors will enjoy true spirit of the dazzling light spectrum radiating from the ASEAN most rich cultures and oldest traditions, being a symbol for knowledge and growth. Katara has also organized throughout the year, some other events such as: The African Festival, the Festival of Ecuador, the Chinese Cultural Celebration, the First Turkish Festival, the Korean Cultural Week, the Iranian Musical Evening, the Gallery of the Traditional and Contemporary Arts in Uzbekistan, the Indian Cultural Week, the Moroccan Handicrafts Week, the Palestinian Heritage Week, and the Sottish Day. (QNA)