Nowruz Celebration Held at SCO Secretariat

A festive gathering was held to celebrate the International Nowruz Day at the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Beijing on March 22, 2023.

The event was attended by diplomats from SCO member states, observer countries and dialogue partners, representatives from international and regional organizations, and media representatives.

Speaking at the opening of the event, SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming noted that he hopes such festive celebrations will help deepen friendship and cooperation, promote cultural exchanges, enrich civilizational dialogue and jointly create a peaceful, safe, harmonious and prosperous future.

In addition to congratulating those present on the occasion, Li Hui, Special Representative of the Government of the People's Republic of China for Eurasian Affairs, pointed out that the celebration of Nowruz reflected people's desire for a better future and the hope for national unity and prosperity.

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, also extended his warmest greetings via video link.

Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat pointed out in his speech that the celebration of Nowruz in India is as inspiring and important as in other parts of the world. The Parsi community in India considers Nowruz as the most important festival.

The celebration was accompanied by songs and dances performed by representatives from the SCO countries, as well as an exhibition of special food and decorative art.

As a day of celebration, Nowruz plays an important role in maintaining the cultural diversity and strengthening good neighborliness, friendship and cooperation among the peoples and countries of the SCO. (Photos by Qiao Zhenqi/China Pictorial)