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, were deeply rooted in history, culture, religion and shared values.
"Nauroz is symbolic to this common heritage," President Zardari said in his remarks at the Nauroz International Conference-2012 here, which marked the beginning of Nauroz celebrations in the Central Asian state of Tajikistan.
Leaders and heads of delegation of various regional countries including the Presidents of Iran and Afghanistan are attending the Nauroz celebrations.
President Zardari, who is attending the Nauroz 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 Nauroz 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 Nauroz Festival.
"This joyous occasion has come to represent peace, tolerance and friendship among all civilizations of the world," he added.
President Zardari said since Nauroz ushers in a new year with the commencement of the spring season, marked by the rebirth of flora and fauna and it is a time of great joy and jubilation at the start of nature's rejuvenation. "I and the whole nation of Pakistan join all of you in celebrating Nauroz festivities," he added.
The President thanked President Emomali Rahmon for inviting him to join the Tajik people and leaders from the region to celebrate Nauroz festivities together.
"May this auspicious occasion bring joy, happiness, prosperity and good health to all of us," the President said.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad while 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 Nauroz celebrations and thanked 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 Nauroz celebrations and said it was a great moment for the people of Tajikistan as leaders from brotherly countries had joined them in the Nauroz festivities.
He also stressed the need of closer cooperation among the regional countries to realize the true potential of socio-economic development of the region for mutual interest.
Later, President Zardari along with his Tajik, Afghan and Iranian counterparts and other heads of delegations witnessed the Nauroz exhibition, where local handicrafts, artwork, 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.