Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said ASEAN`s single identity could only be promoted through understanding and appreciation of the diversity and history equation, cultural heritage, and the way of life.

The president made the statement at a function to open ASEAN Fair 2011 at Nusa Dua Convention Center in Bali on Monday.

"The idea of ASEAN Fair is in line with the ASEAN Charter to unite its member countries into in one vision, one identity, and one community of sharing and caring," the president said in his opening address.

According to the head of state, the culture in various forms and creativity is an international language that binds the various state and nation.

Meanwhile, Tourism and Creative Economic Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said the ASEAN Fair this year was themed, "Hello ASEAN", and was the first of its kind.

"As ASEAN chairman, Indonesia initiates ASEAN Fair to jointly promote ASEAN culture and its creative economy," Mari Pangestu said.

According to her, Indonesia wanted to give special reverence to the identity of ASEAN and the bond of brotherhood among the people of ASEAN.

"The ASEAN Fair will depict the rich heritage of cultural diversity and history equation," she said.

President Yudhoyono on the occasion was accompanied by among others First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, Coordinating Minister for Economy Hatta Rajasa, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, presidential spokesman Julian A Pasha, presidential special staff for foreign affairs Teuku Faizasyah, and Bali Governor I Made Mangku Pastika. (*)

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Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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