SAARC Car Rally accorded ceremonial reception in Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 2 (UNI) Wishing more miles of friendship among neighbouring nations, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit welcomed 'SAARC Car Rally' participants at the historic India Gate here, saying the event would usher in a new chapter of cooperation.

''Wherever you go may you spread the message of friendship, love and togetherness. Such events break the barriers and draw each other closer,'' she told the 'rally' participants while welcoming them this evening.

The 'rally', which arrived in Delhi from Pakistan, goes to Rajasthan from here.

Later while flagging off the 33 cars of the 'rally', participated by 120 members from seven countries (latest entrant Afghanistan would join tomorrow), the Chief Minister repeated the rally motto 'Connecting People, Strengthening Ties' saying the underlying objective of the event was to bring people closer.

Even as hundred-odd white balloons, symbolising peace and harmony, were set free to 'Welcome' the SAARC 'guests' exquisite fireworks set the sky agog with sparkle and glitter, just what the smiles of participants and people gathered to greet them expressed with their eyes.

Several dignitaries from the Delhi and Central government and Chambers of Indian Industry, besides scores of enthusiasts, were present at the colourful ceremony.

The rally, consisting of 33 cars with 120 representatives from seven (plus one) countries, started on March 15 from Bangladesh and would conclude in Maldives on April 14, covering over 8,200 km while passing through Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan.

The rallyists carrying the message of friendship, harmony, peace and trade, aim to highlight the need to improve regional trade, people to people contact, tourism opportunities and generating good will in the South Asian region.

The car rally was a curtain raiser to the 14th SAARC Summit to be held in New Delhi tomorrow when India takes over as its chairman.

Earlier today, the rallyists who arrived here yesterday, had a ride on the metro and visited Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Dilli Haat.

The participants would be given a formal send off from the capital by heads of SAARC countries tomorrow morning.

UNI