Promoting International Relations Through Art And Creativity

By Azzah Mohamad KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- The International Art of Table Setting Exhibition held at the National Visual Arts Gallery here recently was not just an exhibition, it also paved the way for better diplomatic relations, at least among the participants from eight foreign embassies located in Malaysia’s capital city. The participants agreed that the exhibition provided them with a platform to enhance knowledge and to better understand the culture of each other's countries. Iman Abu Ghoush (left), the wife of Palestinian ambassador to Malaysia, Abdel Aziz Abu Ghoush, said that events such as this could help connect Malaysians and Palestinians. She regarded participating in such events and representing her country in any activities held in Malaysia as part of her duties, despite the turmoil in her homeland. "In Palestine we are facing (Israeli) occupation; we have to fight for our rights to liberate our country. At the same time, I am not really here fighting but doing a different job to represent myself especially as a woman," Iman said in an interview with Bernama recently. "We women love arts. I hope I will be doing well in representing my country in any type of activities or functions whenever I can," she said, pointing out that the food, products and decorations at her table setting were linked to Palestine's traditions and culture. "I leave the politics for my husband, and for myself, I concentrate on the social and other aspects that I love more. Fashion shows and bazaars for charity could be done to link Malaysians and Palestinians," she added. Pakistan’s Zile Zahid, who was also a participant at the two-day event, agreed that the exhibition provided her with a good opportunity to learn more about each other's countries, hoping that such events could be held frequently. "This exhibition gives us a very good opportunity to communicate with each other and I think it is a good step towards having good relations with other countries as well as to better know each other's culture," she said. A representative from the Argentinian embassy, Celeste Luna, said the exhibition was one of the best ways to promote her country. "We can also introduce our music and the Spanish language. For example, tango; it is not just a type of dance, but our culture as well. It would be good if all those who speak Spanish could get together," Luna said. Luna also expressed hope that the Argentinian embassy could hold more activities such as language classes for schools in Malaysia and cultural shows to bring closer the people of Malaysia and Argentina and at the same time foster cultural understanding. Representatives from the embassies of Argentina, China, Italy, Korea, Maldives, Pakistan, Palestine and Philippines, took part in the two-day event from Feb 21 to 22, which showcased creative ideas of table settings. Organised by the Ladies Association of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia (Perwakilan), the association of wives of Malaysian diplomats, the event was launched by Siti Rubiah Abdul Samad (right), wife of Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman. While addressing the gathering, she expressed confidence that the event would enable the participants as well as the visitors to expand knowledge and better understanding of each other's customs and cultures apart from enhancing good relations. (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA