Commonwealth Day highlights Korean links

Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations and is marked by a multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey.

In Seoul, last week`s celebrations were held at the British Embassy with side events celebrating the multicultural links both countries have shared throughout the year.

Ambassadors from Commonwealth nations and members of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs Committee and Parliamentary Friendship Groups of each country were in attendance.

The theme of this year`s Commonwealth Day was "Science, Technology and Society."

British Ambassador Martin Uden, read out Queen Elizabeth II`s message highlighting the importance of these issues for international cooperation and development.

The reception showcased a small photography exhibition displaying Commonwealth troops engaged in the Korean War.

A number of Commonwealth countries contributed significant numbers of troops and medical assistance to Korea during the conflict that crippled the nation for three years.

It is the first time that these images, courtesy of the Imperial War Museum, have been displayed in Korea.



Various Commonwealth embassies also presented their traditional national food to share with guests.

Examples of these exciting national dishes included: tuna kebabs from Bangladesh, chili prawns from Brunei, vegetarian samosas from India, and a variety of drinks from many other countries.

Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday of March every year.

The aim of commemorating Commonwealth Day is to promote understanding on global issues, international cooperation and the work of the Commonwealth to improve the lives of the 2 billion citizens in the 54 member states.

(yoav@heraldm.com)



By Yoav Cerralbo