Asmara — The 13th annual festival of Eritrean community members in Australia and New Zealand has opened with patriotic zeal in Melbourne city.

In opening remarks, Mr. Beshir Idrisnor, Eritrean Consul General in Australia, indicated that the event is being celebrated at a time when the nation's development drive has gained momentum and enemy conspiracies have ended up in utter failure thanks to popular participation. He further pointed out that the nation is looking forward to attaining further economic development on the basis of encouraging investment.

Reports indicated that the festival's activities include a seminar by senior Eritrean government official, an exhibition depicting the country's development venture and tourism resources, general knowledge and sports contests, cultural shows and children's poetry, as well as other presentations, among others. The event would also feature live performances by Aser Cultural Troupe.