Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Romania, Madurika Joseph Weninger hosted a distinguished meeting of the Asia Group, consisting of Heads of Missions from 15 countries based in Bucharest. This esteemed group includes Ambassadors from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Held at the Embassy of Sri Lanka, the gathering served as a prelude to discuss the highly anticipated midyear 2025 Asia Cultural Festival, which will take place in Ploiești, Prahova County, a historical region in Romania. The midyear 2025 Cultural Festival is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors.
During the meeting, Ambassador Madurika Joseph Weninger expressed her appreciation for the leadership and wisdom demonstrated by the Vice Dean of the Asia Group of Diplomatic Missions in Bucharest, Ambassador of Iran, in steering the Asia Group’s initiatives in the previous year. Ambassador Weninger also extended her sincere appreciation to all the Ambassadors of the Asia Group for their collective efforts and unwavering support during the 2nd edition of the Asia Cultural Festival – 2024, held in September last year at the Village Museum premises in Bucharest, under the theme “Celebrating Asian Diversity”. This successful collaboration made the festival a cherished highlight of Bucharest’s autumn cultural calendar, where Sri Lanka proudly showcased its traditional cuisine and Ceylon tea.
Further, the Ambassador emphasized the shared commitment of the Asia Group to promoting cultural heritage, history, cuisine, and strengthening bilateral and economic relations between Asia and Romania. The group continues to support the key activities that foster cultural exchange and collaboration in the region.
Ambassador Madurika Weninger also outlined the mandate and the strategic priorities of the new Government of Sri Lanka. She further highlighted the country's best seasons, inviting visitors to experience Sri Lanka’s renowned warm hospitality and breathtaking landscapes.
As part of the gathering, the Heads of missions were treated to a delightful assortment of traditional Sri Lankan "short eats." Additionally, the Ambassador arranged a special tea tasting session, where tea connoisseur Amila Perera presented and elaborated on the distinct flavours of Sri Lanka’s “seven renowned tea regions”. Actively participating in the session, the Asia Group Ambassadors showed great enthusiasm in this regard.
The meeting also provided a valuable opportunity for diplomats to strengthen their connections, enhance cultural understanding, and discuss exciting prospects for future collaboration.
