Jakarta- Indonesian President Susilo BambangYudhoyono said the cultural approach conducted by some ASEAN member countries could become an effective way to solve problems arising among them, the Antara news agency reported on Sunday.
"Six ASEAN member countries have a similar (Buddhist) civilization heritage, which we should use to strengthen togetherness and brotherhood among ASEAN member countries and to step up the activities of cultural and religious tourism," the news agency quoted the president as saying when opening the "Trailof Civilization" Art performance at the Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, Saturday night.
The president said the remainder of civilization existing in the six ASEAN member countries, namely Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar had left a moral message from the ancient time which could become guidance for the present.
"The past civilization heritage could turn out creativity which could produce many kinds of arts, traditions and cultures with religious nuances. This kind of creative process could strengthen friendship and harmonious international relations," Yudhoyono said, referring to art performances about the Buddhist story of life in the six ASEAN member countries.
ASEAN groups Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
He also hoped that the similarity of civilization with religious nuances would help preserve peace and international friendship. Editor: Du Guodong
Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/27/content_8778850.htm (July 27, 2008)