Cultural Cooperation Explored Between Sharjah Institute For Heritage And Burkina Faso Embassy

Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), recently hosted Dr Souleymane Konaté, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to the UAE, and his delegation. The visit aimed to explore cultural and intellectual cooperation opportunities and establish partnerships in intangible heritage and cultural exchange.

During their visit, Dr Al Musallam guided the delegation through the Institute's headquarters. They were introduced to initiatives focused on preserving cultural heritage. He highlighted how educational programs, research projects, and training efforts contribute to passing cultural knowledge to future generations.

The delegation also learned about international initiatives under UNESCO's umbrella. These efforts underscore the Institute's commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage globally.

In official discussions, Dr Al Musallam expressed gratitude for the visit. He emphasised the strong cultural ties between Sharjah and African nations. This relationship is attributed to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's vision of building cultural bridges with friendly nations.

Dr Al Musallam reiterated SIH's openness to collaborate with Burkina Faso's cultural institutions. Areas of interest include documenting folk narratives, exchanging expertise in intangible heritage preservation, and hosting exhibitions and cultural weeks.

Commitment to Cooperation

Ambassador Konaté expressed his delight in visiting the Institute. He praised Sharjah's leading role in preserving human heritage and promoting intercultural dialogue. Burkina Faso is keen on establishing long-term cooperation with SIH, particularly in academic research, training, and expert exchanges.

The meeting included several department directors from SIH and officials from Burkina Faso's Embassy in the UAE. This gathering underscored both parties' commitment to fostering a collaborative relationship.

The visit concluded with a shared understanding of mutual goals. Both sides are eager to work together on projects that promote cultural understanding and heritage preservation.

With inputs from WAM