Azerbaijan, Baku, March 19 / Trend, E.Mehdiyev /
A ceremony marking the International Day of Nowruz was held at the UN headquarters in New York on March 18.
The event which was held with the support of 12 countries was attended by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Ban Ki-moon gave thanks for the invitation to the event and stressed that he is delighted to participate in marking this significant holiday which symbolises the renewal of springtime.
"There are many different ways to celebrate Nowruz in the rich, diverse region you represent. This tapestry of human culture is impressive. However I am even more moved that these very diverse peoples share common values. When they celebrate Nowruz, they rejoice in harmony with nature, human solidarity and fresh beginnings. These are the very values we need to address climate change, end poverty and resolve long-standing conflicts," Ban Ki-moon said.
It should be noted that the UN General Assembly declared March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz at the initiative of Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Albania, Macedonia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey three years ago.