(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The first ever Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Festival 2015 in Katara is set to provide a window to the vibrant and diverse cultures of 600 million-strong Asean population.
The three-day festival which opens on Thursday will feature cultural performances, handicraft and tourism promotions of seven Asean-member countries in Doha including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Brunei.
Speaking at a press meet to launch the festival, Indonesian Ambassador Deddy Saiful Hadi, who is the Chairman of Asean Committee in Doha (ACD), said performers from Asean-member countries will be flown to Doha to feature in the festival.
"Indonesia will bring a 28-member troupe to showcase its dances, cultural diversity and tourism destination while a 22-member troupe from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will perform dances comprising Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures. There will also be a 28-member troupe from Manila, Philippines, singers from Brunei Darussalam while Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam will feature their local talents," said Ambassador Hadi.
The festival, Hadi said, will shed light among Qataris and residents on the presence of the Asean community in Qatar and the ACD which was formed in 2012 to promote solidarity among Asean residents here through its many programs.
There are around 300,000 residents in Qatar hailing from Asean € the second most successful regional organization in the world after the European Union, said the Indonesian ambassador.
Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti stressed the cordial relations between Asean countries and Katara which he said had witnessed significant development in the cultural aspect.
"We confirm the depth and strength of ties between Katara and Asean countries in which we have had a lot of development especially in the cultural aspect which is embedded in this cultural festival that will combine the arts and culture of seven Asian countries," said Dr Al Sulaiti.
He stressed the important role Katara plays in the promotion of cultural exchange among different countries through the various festivals, events and activities it hosts.
"I would like to invite the public to attend this important festival that will present a unique and important opportunity to learn about the cultures of Asean. The events and activities will be a cultural journey to the participating countries which enjoy great culture and civilization," he said.
Malaysian Ambassador Dato Ahmad Jazri Mohamed Johar, who is the Vice Chairman of ACD, said the festival would focus on cultural performances, tourism promotions and high quality handicraft and products to be exhibited and sold to the public.
"This festival will offer a window into these Asean countries. For the Qatari population and expatriates who have not been to Asean countries we urge them to come see the festival which will be made special by very good performances by professional troupes providing a glimpse into the colourful and unique cultures of Asean countries," said Ambassador Johar.
Organised by Katara and ACD, Asean Festival 2015 is open to the public from Thursday until Saturday at the Katara Esplanade.
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