Indonesia, Russia Host "Cultural Day" In Kazan

LONDON, Oct 31 (Antara) - The Indonesian and Russian governments hosted a cultural event in Kazan City on Oct 28 to coincide with the commemoration of Youth Pledge Day, an official informed Antara London here on Tuesday. As a form of collaboration between the Indonesian Embassy to Russia in Moscow, the Aceh provincial government, and the Russian Federation's Republic of Tatarstan, the cultural event featured a traditional musical performance, fashion show, and Aceh's traditional dance. Apart from strengthening cultural diplomacy between both nations, the cultural event also aimed to boost partnership in the economy sector. Ambassador of Indonesia to Russia and Belarus M. Wahid Supriyadi said in his opening remarks during the event that Oct 28 was a special day for Indonesian citizens, as the day highlighted the importance of unity in diversity. "I am honored to celebrate the Indonesian Cultural Day that coincides with Youth Pledge Day here in Kazan," he noted. He recalled that some 89 years ago, several youth organizations had congregated to voice their commitment to maintaining unity to realize the country's independence. According to Supriyadi, the youth groups had declared the pledge of one country, one nation, and one language. Attended by hundreds of people, the event showcased a collaborative performance of Indonesian and Russian dancers and musicians. The 250 attendees to the event, held at the Kazan City Hall, were treated to the traditional form of Javanese music Gamelan followed by Aceh's Saman Gayo dance form. Other dances, such as Tor-Tor, Merak, Topeng, Genjring, Zapin Melayu, Guel, Ratoh Jaro, and Tarek Puket, were also showcased to the audience. Meanwhile, Elvira Rafailevna Kamalova, Tatarstan Republic's deputy of the culture ministry, lauded the cultural event that had been planned earlier during a meeting held last December between the Indonesian ambassador to Russia and President of the Tatarstan Republic Rustam Minnikanov. On a similar occasion, Darwati Abdul Gani, head of the art team of Aceh Province, stated that her province's culture bore similarities to that of the Tatarstan Republic. Gani further called on the government of Aceh to offer a scholarship scheme to students in the province to study in Kazan, Russia. Apart from several art performances, the event also featured a short course on Indonesian language, a workshop to play the Javanese traditional music Gamelan, and training on traditional dances. As part of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tatarstan is home to some important industries, such as the Kamaz car factory and some helicopter manufacturers. Hence, during the event, Iskandar, Aceh province's investment head, had also contacted his counterpart in the Tatarstan Republic's Ministry of Industry and Trade to discuss partnership between the two regions. Iskandar said both regions had discussed a draft on establishing cooperation. He noted that the draft will be handed over to the foreign affairs ministries of Indonesia and Russia. During the event, Iskandar said he had also met with representatives of some local companies in Kazan City to discuss trade and investment.