Shillong, Nov 16: The four-day Cherry Blossom Festival concluded on Saturday with Ambassador of South Korea to India, Shin Bong-Kil attending as chief guest.

Meghalaya Forest and Environment Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui was also present as the guest of honour.

Adressing the closing ceremony, Bong-kil said that cherry blossom is a majestic sight to see and festivals such as these reminded him of South Korea where cherry blossom marked the onset of spring season.

He also said that the Republic of Korea and Meghalaya are exploring opportunities for mutual bilateral relations to promote not only tourism but also in terms of exchanging ideas on technological know-how.

Meghalaya Forest Minister, Rymbui also spoke about the relationship between Meghalaya and South Korea and the bilateral meet held between Meghalaya and Republic of Korea where various issues were discussed and ideas were exchanged on socio-economic partnership.

The festival was organized by the Meghalaya Forest & Environment Department and the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

LG Electronics Inc, a South Korean Headquartered Multinational Electronics Company was the major sponsor for the festival held in Shillong at Polo 5th Ground and Ward’s Lake.

Certificates and prizes to winners of various competitions conducted as part of the festival were also distributed by the dignitaries. The closing ceremony was also attended by Meghalaya PCCF, C.P. Marak, Additional PCCF (Social Forestry), R.S. Gill, Regional Director, ICCR, Shillong, Dr. N. Munish Singh and other officials.