Riyadh, September 1, 2024 – In a significant stride toward enhancing cultural collaboration, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture, Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, met today with Kuwait’s Minister of Information and Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman bin Bedah Al-Mutairi, at the Riyadh International Book Fair. The meeting underscored the deeply rooted, distinguished relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait, particularly within the cultural sector, which has flourished under the framework of the Saudi-Kuwaiti Coordination Council.
During the high-level discussions, both ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing cultural cooperation, recognizing that this partnership is pivotal in strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations. The meeting culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering enhanced cooperation between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and Kuwait’s National Council for Culture, Arts, and Literature (NCCAL).
The newly inked MoU seeks to stimulate collaboration across a wide spectrum of cultural fields, including heritage, architecture, design, museums, visual arts, theater, performing arts, literature, publishing, translation, fashion, culinary arts, and film. Furthermore, it envisions the mutual exchange of expertise on cultural systems, regulations, and policies, as well as joint participation in festivals and cultural events hosted by both countries.
As prominent members of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Saudi Arabia and Kuwait committed to coordinate agreements and contribute to strategic initiatives across various cultural sectors. The MoU also highlights the establishment of artistic residency programs and the implementation of heritage preservation projects, further reflecting the nations' shared dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage in all its forms.
This collaboration is deeply rooted in the longstanding, fraternal ties between the leaderships and peoples of the two countries. It aims to further strengthen the bilateral relationship and promote international cultural exchange, which aligns with the strategic objectives outlined in Saudi Arabia’s National Culture Strategy and Vision 2030. The agreement also enhances the broader efforts to improve cultural relations and solidify partnerships across various cultural dimensions.
In attendance at the meeting was the Kuwaiti ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who played a crucial role in supporting the dialogue and reinforcing the importance of this cultural partnership. This MoU is expected to serve as a catalyst for future cultural projects and collaborative efforts between the two nations, reinforcing their leadership in the regional and global cultural landscape.