It is a pleasure to join my friends today to celebrate Nowruz International Day heralding the arrival of the festive Spring season, says a press release received here today from New York.
2. An ancient celebration, Nowruz symbolizes rebirth and the link between humans and nature. In the elegant words of the Persian poet, Hafez:
“Springtime is here again,
With the charm of roses.
Look at their fresh cheeks
And the bitter plant of sadness
Will be uprooted from your heart”.
‘Nowruz Mubarak’ to everyone.
3. In the words of Secretary-General, “the world comes together to defeat COVID-19, the event of Nowruz serves as an inspiration to recover and rebuild in a more just and durable way, in harmony with nature”.
4. Nowruz is also a reminder of the shared heritage of the glorious civilizations that spanned the Balkans, the Black Sea, Caspian Sea regions, the Caucasus, and Central and South Asia. A heritage that is reflected in the art, music, architecture, literature, and customs of the countries of these regions.
5. This ancestral festivity of Nowruz marking the first day of spring and the renewal of nature is a heritage that has been warmly embraced by the people of Pakistan.It is typically celebrated in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially near the border with Afghanistan, and across Balochistan, with a large celebration held in the capital of Quetta.
6. This common heritage is a solid foundation for our friendship and cooperation with all our neighbors in the north and west, reflected in part in the Economic Cooperation Organization ( ECO).
7. In observing Nowruz International Day, we also reaffirm our commitment to the principles of the UN Charter.
8. Nowruz is a time of renewal and regeneration. It is the spirit we need to emerge from suffering caused by the Covid 19 pandemic. It rekindles confidence that we will, together, defeat the virus and recover better, stronger and more prosperous.
9. As Pakistan’s national poet, Allama Iqbal, wrote:
“Spring clouds have pitched their tents over mountains and plains,
Look! Flowers are flourishing in gardens and meadows,
The spring wind blows”.
I thank you.
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