Fresh brews served up in Europe on Intl Tea Day

ROME/BELGRADE — This year's International Tea Day was marked in Rome and Belgrade on Tuesday with tea art performances, diverse tea tastings and learning programs about tea culture.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations hosted an event at its headquarters in Italy's capital Rome, focusing on the crucial role women played in the tea industry and the approaches to help them overcome the challenges they face.

"Women play a crucial role in the tea industry, substantially contributing to its sustainability, productivity and community development," FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said in his opening speech, adding that their contributions underpin the industry's economic viability, social fabric and sustainable development.

Tea cultivation not only contributes to the agricultural economy, but also promotes sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation as well, Qu said.

Special teas from China, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kenya, Russia and Sri Lanka, including renowned Chinese tea varieties such as longjing, pu'er and jasmine tea, were displayed at the event, attracting hundreds of visitors to savor teas and explore tea culture.

At the Chinese Cultural Centre in Serbia's capital Belgrade, about 200 officials, students and tea lovers gathered on Tuesday to celebrate the fifth International Tea Day. They enjoyed a traditional Chinese tea art performance and tasted Anxi tieguanyin, a specialty tea from Quanzhou, a coastal city in Fujian province.

Stanko Blagojevic, Serbia's assistant minister of culture, said intangible heritage, such as the Chinese tea ceremony, represents "a strong bond" between the two peoples and cultures.

"This is how we learn to work together and make each step a significant progress," he said, noting strengthened China-Serbia ties.

Dunja Denic, Serbia's assistant minister of tourism and youth, said friendship and cooperation with China are truly important, especially in tourism, where the outcomes have been positive and encouraging.

In a video message to the audience, Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming expressed his hope that the Serbian people will "appreciate the tea culture, and jointly promote cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Serbia".

Established by the UN in 2019, International Tea Day is observed annually on May 21 to raise global awareness of the historical, cultural and economic significance of tea.

Xinhua