Beijing, October 19, 2024 — In a significant advancement of cultural diplomacy, the Museums Commission of Saudi Arabia, a prominent entity under the Ministry of Culture, has officially signed an executive program with the National Museum of China, bolstered by the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China. This partnership aims to deepen cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and China, fostering collaboration and development within the museums sector.
This initiative is rooted in the memorandum of understanding signed in Beijing on March 27, 2024, during the visit of Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud to China. The newly established Implementation Plan sets a solid foundation for extensive cooperation between the two nations, covering areas such as exhibitions, long-term loans of artworks and cultural relics, and various shared cultural projects.
The executive program outlines several key areas of focus, including:
1. Establishing a Joint Bilateral Forum for National Museums: Both parties are committed to exploring the establishment of a bilateral forum between the national museums of Saudi Arabia and China. This forum aims to enhance exchange and collaboration, providing a platform for dialogue on best practices and innovations within the museums sector.
2. Long-term Loaning of Artworks and Archaeological Collections: In accordance with China’s Cultural Relics Protection Law, the National Museum will facilitate the long-term loan of valuable artworks and archaeological collections to Saudi museums. This exchange will enrich the cultural offerings in Saudi Arabia and provide a unique glimpse into China's rich heritage.
3. Art Exhibition Exchange Program: As part of this collaboration, the two nations will organize a series of exhibition exchanges between 2025 and 2026. The National Museum will showcase traditional Chinese musical instruments in Saudi Arabia, providing an immersive experience into China's musical heritage. Concurrently, Saudi Arabia's "Art of the Kingdom" (Fan Al Mamlaka) exhibition will be featured at the National Museum in Beijing, highlighting the contemporary art scene and cultural narrative of the Kingdom.
4. Exploration of Future Areas of Cooperation: Both parties have also agreed to identify additional opportunities for collaboration within the framework of this executive program. Cultural institutions from both nations will work together to enhance cooperation on museum exhibitions and other cultural projects, reinforcing mutual trust and synergy in the cultural field.
The signing of this executive program represents a new milestone in cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and China, underscoring both nations' commitment to promoting international cultural dialogue and collaboration. Through this partnership, Saudi Arabia and China aim to share their vibrant cultural heritages while creating new avenues for future cultural initiatives.
This cooperation aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting the significance of international cultural collaboration. By working together, Saudi Arabia and China will not only contribute to the preservation and dissemination of their cultural heritage but also elevate their presence on the global cultural stage, fostering deeper connections and understanding between their peoples.