The Celebration of the 75th Republic Day of India in Damascus
The Embassy of India in Damascus held a celebration on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day at the Embassy premises.
Ambassador Dr. Irshad Ahmad offered floral tributes to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. He then unfurled the national flag. This was followed by the singing of the Indian national anthem. Then Ambassador Dr.Irshad Ahmad read the Indian President’s message on the eve of the 75th Republic Day.
Ambassador Dr. Irshad Ahmad said in his statement : I warmly welcome you all for the celebration of 75th republic Day of India. On behalf of the government and people of India, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to HE President Bashar Al Assad and the Government and people of the Syrian Arab Republic for the continued peace and progress .
“India and Syria enjoy friendly relations based on the historic and civilization ties and these ties have stood the test of time as you are aware . When the Syrian crisis broke out in 2011, India took its principled stand in resolving the conflict in a non-military way and through an inclusive Syrian –led political process.” Ambassador Dr. Irshad added
“India has continued to maintain its Embassy in Damascus even through the peak of the crisis. There are immense common grounds and opportunities for expansion of India-Syria partnership.” his Excellency said.
“India can be a strong and resilient partner of Syria in all priority areas identified in the post war era. We look forward to working closely with the government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the hope that India-Syria bilateral cooperation will reach heights in the coming years.” He concluded.
In a statement to “Syria Times”, Dr. Irshad said: “It is a very great occasion for the Indians in India and in all over the world to celebrate the day on which India was made a republic.
“As you know India and Syria have a very great relationship nurtured throughout the history. We have a very strong partnership and great understanding on many international issues and the two countries always cooperate with each other as there is a mutual trust and understanding,” the Ambassador told ST.
“Since the situation in Syria has improved and a lot of things are moving in the right direction, India looks forward to enhancing this cooperation and diversifying this partnership with Syria,” he added.
“We stand for a united Syria and India always tries to solve the conflict in a peaceful way,” he stressed.
The celebration also included dancing performance by Syrian children and Syrian yoga group and playing a video about India.
Reported by: Nada Haj Khidr
