Fashion designers, chefs and models are attending a joint cultural festival in Delhi to celebrate the centenary of Afghanistan’s independence and to further strengthen ties between the two countries.

The opening ceremony for the Afghanistan Food and Culture Festival was held on Thursday night in Dehli, and was attended by Afghanistan’s Charge d’Affaires in India, Tahir Qaderi and a 17-member Afghan delegation. Also in attendance were local VIPs Charu Das of the CD Foundation and Marwah Studios’ Chairman Sandeep Marwah.

The event, which will last 15 days, will host events in various locations in Delhi highlighting food, fashion and culture. A film festival will also be held.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Qaderi stated that Afghanistan’s image has been portrayed in a negative way to the world, but he said the real image of the country should be revealed, referring to the nation’s culture. Speaking of progress, Qaderi said that in the new Afghanistan, almost 27 percent of parliament seats are held by women, which is more than many countries, including India and the United States.

He said the delegates who are attending the festival are acting as ambassadors of Afghanistan.