Salvador, November 11, 2024 – On the sidelines of the 5th G20 Culture Ministers' Meeting, held in Salvador, Brazil, Fahd Al-Kanaan, Deputy Minister of Culture for International Cultural Relations, met with Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture of the Republic of South Africa. The meeting provided an opportunity for both officials to engage in a productive exchange on enhancing bilateral cultural cooperation between Saudi Arabia and South Africa.
During the meeting, Deputy Minister Al-Kanaan extended the greetings of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture to Minister McKenzie, emphasizing the strong ties between the two nations in the cultural and diplomatic spheres. Al-Kanaan also took the occasion to congratulate South Africa on being selected as the host for the 2025 G20 presidency, underscoring the importance of the upcoming year for global cultural collaboration and dialogue.
The discussions between the two ministers centered on exploring avenues for deepening cultural exchange, with a focus on initiatives that would bring lasting benefits to both countries' peoples. Topics included fostering artistic collaborations, sharing best practices in cultural heritage preservation, and expanding opportunities for mutual engagement in the fields of sport, arts, and culture. Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening ties and leveraging cultural diplomacy as a means of fostering understanding and goodwill between their nations.
The meeting highlighted the continued importance of international cooperation in cultural affairs, with Saudi Arabia and South Africa reaffirming their shared vision of using culture as a bridge to connect communities and promote sustainable development. Through such collaborative efforts, both countries aim to contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected world.