St David’s Day

Fans of J.K. Rowling in Pakistan will remember that a Common Welsh Dragon featured in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’, the fourth book of her immensely popular series.  That dragon was green in colour, but the dragon on the flag flying at the British High Commission in Islamabad today is a vibrant red.

The Baner Cymru is the striking flag of Wales and the dragon is the perfect symbol of the bold, imaginative and original thinking for which Wales is renowned around the world. Today it is flying to mark St David’s Day, the national day of Wales, which falls on 1 March, when people in the United Kingdom celebrate the first day of spring.

Among the many links between Wales and Pakistan are the similarities of their snow-covered mountains and stunning natural beauty. The foot of Mt Snowdon in Wales was the training base camp for the British Expedition who were the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. The sheer rock faces, treacherous scree and tricky traverses are among the most testing in Britain.

In September last year, Wales was at the centre of the world stage when Newport played host to the NATO Summit.  The largest summit ever held on UK soil was attended by 60 world leaders, 70 foreign and defence chiefs and 4,000 delegates and 1,500 journalists from across the globe.

Wales today has a huge amount to offer whether you are a student or looking to do business.  Welsh world class universities are renowned around the world for their academic excellence.  Its education system is fully integrated with commercial and industrial partners.  Swansea University is helping to engineer the buildings of tomorrow, capable of creating their own energy.  Cardiff is establishing itself as a major international hub for life sciences.  In the world of business, over half of the world’s commercial aircraft fly on wings made in Wales.

Wales receives millions of visitors from across the world.  It boasts more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe and is home to the Gower Peninsula, the first place in the UK to be awarded the accolade ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.  From the annual Hay Literary Festival, the spectacular vistas of the Brecon Beacons, to the museums and nightlife of Cardiff and Swansea, Wales is a magical place to visit.

In the Welsh language, the synonym for “خوش آمدید” (‘welcome’)  is “Croeso”.  In 2015, visitors for business or pleasure can be assured of a very warm welcome in Cymru.