The International Charity Bazaar is an opportunity for interaction between Syrian people and Diplomatic community

The Diplomatic Club in Syria (DCOS) held on Saturday 12 November the International Charity Bazaar at the al Mutanabi Ballroom, in the Dama Rose Hotel.

 About 21 countries participated in the event exhibiting their products including Algeria, Armenia, Belgium, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Belarus, Indonesia, India, Ireland, Palestine, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Sudan and Venezuela, beside local associations from Homs

Mrs.Shukria  Miqdad, the honorary president of the Diplomatic Club, said to Syria Times “This year the bazaar is very important because more than twenty countries participated, and this means that the situation in Syria has become better and safe“.

“It is possible for all the associations to come from different Syrian cities and participate in this bazaar. Culture and creativity are also associated with this event.“

“So we wish success and we hope that next year and the year after we will have more and more countries participating in this bazaar,” Mrs. Miqdad concluded.

Mrs. Radyanti Fauzi, the president of (DCOS), and the wife of Ambassador of Indonesia said in her speech, “The bazaar has become a regular and significant feature of the Syrian social calendar“.

“The Bazaar allows embassies in Syria to come together and raise money for selected associations by displaying information and products about their countries” Mrs. Radyanti clarified.

The bazaar also presents an opportunity for interaction between the people of Syria and the diplomatic community. Unlike our other fundraisers, where attendance is limited, the Bazaar is open to all with unlimited access,” she said.

“Each (DCOS) event focuses on a different governorate in Syria. We allow the members of (DCOS) to know this beautiful country better and learn about the excellent work that many associations do” Mrs. Radyanti Fauzi concluded.

Ms. Reneva Fourier, a member in the Diplomatic Club and the wife of South African Ambassador to Syria told Syria times “the DCOS International Charity Bazaar is truly growing in stature“.

“This year we have more embassies participating and the range of products are wider. We are also proud that there are so many participating associations, especially from Homs. The atmosphere is vibrant and festive and South Africa is honored to participate” Ms. Reneva Fourier said.

Ms. Vida Soraya Verzosa,Chargé d’Affairs of the Embassy of the Philippines in Damascus said to Syria times” we participate as a member of(DCOS) and we would like to give this charitable event support for the charities in Homs“.

“We want to help the families to benefit from the proceeds of this charity by showcasing Philippines natural products as our traditional embroideries, handmade bags, and baskets from natural fibers; also we have shell products, food, and coffee ingredients” Ms. Vida added

“This is a way of supporting agreements on cultural cooperation between Philippines and Syria because we believe that cultural diplomacy is the most important place to strengthen the bilateral relationship,” she concluded

Ghada al- Amin, member in (DCOS) and the wife of Sudanese ambassador told us” we display in our pavilion of food products from herbs, natural materials, henna, and incense. We participate in this bazaar for the second year to learn about other people’s cultures and products“.

His Excellency Ambassador Wajid Fawzi said to Syria times, “The Indonesian Embassy is very happy to participate in this event. We display local products namely, textile, coffee, and handmade crafts“.

“We truly hope that Syrian people and Syrian businessmen will visit our pavilion, hopefully not only today, but when the situation arises and there is another exhibit  –  this meeting will be developed with more and more meetings  between Indonesian and Syrian businessmen “His Excellency added .

Reported by: Nada Haj Khidr