The 2024 International Tea Day was marked in Rome and Belgrade on Tuesday with tea art performances, diverse tea tastings and immersive learning programs about tea culture.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) hosted an event at its headquarters in Italy's capital Rome, focusing on the crucial role women played in the tea industry and 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 promotes sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation as well, Qu noted.

Special teas from China, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kenya, Russia and Sri Lanka, including renowned Chinese tea varieties like Longjing, Pu-erh, 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 Belgrade, Serbia, around 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 east China's Fujian Province.

The celebratory event was co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Serbia, the Serbian Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism and Youth.

Stanko Blagojevic, Serbia's assistant minister of culture, expressed satisfaction with the strengthened China-Serbia ties, noting that 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.

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

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

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

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