Hongkong Post announced today (September 23) that a stamp sheetlet and associated philatelic products on the theme of "The 150th Anniversary of Universal Postal Union" will be released for sale on October 9 (Wednesday).
 
     In 1874, 22 countries gathered to sign the Treaty of Bern, establishing the General Postal Union, which was renamed as the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1878. This initiative realised the vision of establishing a single postal territory to serve people everywhere. Today, the UPU has evolved into a postal network of 192 member countries that fosters co-operation and communication among postal administrations worldwide, and provides latest updates to ensure a universal network of postal products and services. It also fulfils a number of other functions, such as providing advisories, mediation services and liaisons.
 
     The year 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the UPU. Hongkong Post, as a member of the China Delegation, will issue a stamp sheetlet and associated philatelic products with the theme of "The 150th Anniversary of Universal Postal Union" to commemorate this occasion.
 
     The stamp sheetlet features a carrier pigeon, composed of various triangular shapes, delivering mail around the world. This represents the UPU's efforts to strengthen connections, communication and co-operation among postal administrations worldwide. The stamp sheetlet also displays the theme logo for the 150th anniversary of the UPU.
 
     Official first day covers for "The 150th Anniversary of Universal Postal Union" will be on sale at all post offices and on Hongkong Post's online shopping mall ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) from September 24 (Tuesday). The stamp sheetlet and associated philatelic products will be on sale at all post offices and on ShopThruPost from October 9, while serviced first day covers affixed with the stamp sheetlet will be available at philatelic offices only.
 
     A hand-back date-stamping service will be provided on October 9 at all post offices for official first day covers/souvenir covers/privately made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address.

     Information about the stamp sheetlet and associated philatelic products is available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk).

Ends/Monday, September 23, 2024
Issued at HKT 12:00

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