UAE Minister Boosts Cultural Relations With Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia
Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, recently visited the Slovak Republic, Hungary, and Croatia. His tour aimed to deepen cultural cooperation and foster mutual understanding with these nations. Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi remarked, "These meetings and cultural engagements represent significant strides in our cultural diplomacy efforts. The UAE Ministry of Culture is committed to boosting partnerships and promoting global cultural dialogue."
During his visit to Slovakia, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi met with Martina Šimkovičová, Slovakia's Minister of Culture. They discussed enhancing cultural exchanges and collaborations. Additionally, he met Robert Kaliňák, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Slovakia. The UAE delegation also toured the University Library of Bratislava, exploring the Basagic’s Collection of Islamic Manuscripts.
A key highlight was signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UAE and Slovak Culture Ministries. This MoU aims to foster cultural cooperation and preserve shared heritage. The visit concluded with a tour of Červený Kameň Castle and a falconry demonstration, showcasing a shared cultural heritage inscribed on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021.
In Hungary, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi met Balázs Hankó, Minister of Culture and Innovation. They explored potential collaborations in cultural diplomacy and innovation. Al Qassimi congratulated Hungary on its upcoming 2024 Presidency of the Council of the European Union. He visited the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, a cornerstone of Hungary's musical education and performance art heritage.
The UAE delegation also toured the Museum of Fine Arts in Hungary. This visit provided insights into Hungary’s vibrant history and artistic achievements. These engagements underscored the commitment to fostering culture as a vehicle for diversity, peace, and socioeconomic development.
Engaging with Croatian Cultural Leaders
Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi's tour concluded in Croatia where he met Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Minister of Culture and Media. They discussed expanding collaborative efforts in cultural diplomacy and preserving shared cultural heritage. The visit included a tour of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Croatia.
Al Qassimi emphasised learning about each other’s culture during these discussions. He stated that by signing the Memoranda of Understanding, they aim to strengthen bonds of friendship and understanding for future generations.
The series of visits highlighted significant strides in UAE's cultural diplomacy efforts across Europe. Each engagement aimed at boosting partnerships and promoting global cultural dialogue while preserving collective heritage for future generations.
Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi's remarks encapsulate this mission: "In these meetings with the Culture Ministers... we underscored our shared commitment to fostering culture as a vehicle for diversity, peace, and socioeconomic development."
With inputs from WAM
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