Jakarta- Culture can serve as a means to bridge differences among ASEAN member countries, Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda said at the opening of an ASEAN arts event here.
By getting to know each other`s cultures, the peoples of ASEAN member countries would be able to develop greater mutual understanding, Wirayuda said when opening the event dubbed "Best of ASEAN Performing Arts II 2008" at the Jakarta Arts Building Friday evening.
"I am certain that the peoples of ASEAN will have greater understanding of and respect for their cultural diversity in order to realize an ASEAN single identity," Wirayuda said, adding that he highly appreciated the promotion of cultural exchange in the region.
Meanwhile, ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan said the title of the Best ASEAN Performing Arts II 2008 was "Tapestry of Thai Beauty and Grace."
Surin Pitsuwan said this year`s Thai cultural performance in the Best ASEAN Performing Arts II was conducted in conjunction with the ASEAN`s 41st anniversary.
He expressed hope that in the 41st anniversary, the ASEAN which was made up of 10 countries would be more cohesive in their effort to overcome every problem in the region.
"Tonight, the ASEAN member countries pin all their hopes on getting a more prosperous structure," the ASEAN secretary general said.
On the occasion Surin also expressed his special appreciation for former Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Alatas who was a witness when ASEAN was established in Bangkok 41 years ago.
Source: http://www.antaranews.com (11 Agustus 2008)
