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t least 35 ambassadors and officials from several countries, along with 34 international NGOs, are scheduled to attend the 10-year commemoration of the deadly tsunami that hit Aceh on Dec. 26, 2004.

'€œSo far, we have received confirmation from 35 ambassadors and 34 international agencies of their attendance at the 10th commemoration of the Aceh tsunami,'€ head of the Aceh Tourism and Culture Service Office Muhammad Reza Pahlevi said in Banda Aceh, as quoted by Antara news agency.

Reza revealed that the commemoration to be held in Banda Aceh would showcase cultural arts in a number of events. The tsunami that struck the province 10 years ago claimed at least 200,000 lives.

Reza said that the commemoration of the disaster would also constitute a mark of gratitude to the volunteers and agencies that assisted the Acehnese people through rehabilitation and restoration efforts after the calamity ravaged parts of the province.

Events to be held during the commemoration include a prayer session, a photography contest, disaster education and an international conference on tsunami research, as well as an exposition on disasters.

'€œThe purpose of the event is to serve as a reminder to the next generation about the heartbreaking incident. It is necessary that they understand and make efforts to minimize the impact of any future disaster,'€ Reza stated.