Saudi And Greek Culture Ministers Strengthen Ties At Strategic Partnership Council Meeting

The inaugural meeting of the Culture Committee of the Saudi-Hellenic Strategic Partnership Council took place in Jeddah. Co-chaired by Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Hellenic Republic Minister of Culture Dr. Lina Mendoni, the gathering aimed to enhance cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Greece.

Prince Badr welcomed Dr. Mendoni to Saudi Arabia, expressing hope that her visit would provide insights into the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage. He highlighted the meeting's goal of fostering international cultural exchange for mutual benefit.

The ministers emphasized the importance of boosting cultural cooperation between their countries. They discussed activating a memorandum of understanding on cultural collaboration, signed in July 2022, to further strengthen ties.

Both ministers praised ongoing collaborations, including Greece's participation in Saudi Crafts Week (Banan) in Riyadh last November. Additionally, Greece’s Benaki Museum is involved in the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, currently held in Jeddah from January through May.

The "Saudi Cultural Week in Greece," held last year at Athens' Zappeion Hall, was commended by both ministers. The event featured a pavilion for the "Year of the Camel 2024" initiative and showcased musical performances, traditional crafts workshops, culinary arts pavilions, and more.

Attendees from Saudi Arabia included Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Al-Touq and Deputy Minister for International Relations Eng. Fahad Abdulrahman Alkanaan. Representing Greece were Ambassador Alexis Konstantopoulos, cultural advisor Vassilis Chiros, and special advisor Anna-Panagiota Giotaria.

The meeting underscored the commitment to enhancing cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Greece through various initiatives and collaborations. Both nations aim to continue building on this foundation for future cultural exchanges and partnerships.

With inputs from SPA