Kuwait plays leading role in promoting culture, arts: Bulgarian envoy
KUWAIT CITY, May 25: 'Kuwait has a prominent position in consolidating the role of culture and the arts in the Arab world and beyond. Its openness to the cultures of the peoples of the world is remarkable and deserves everyone's appreciation,' says Bulgarian Ambassador to Kuwait Dimitar Dimitrov. Dimitrov made the statement during the celebration of the 'Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Enlightenment and Culture' -- one of the activities of Europe Month in Kuwait.
Present at the event were Assistant Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Sheikha Dr. Al-Anoud Al-Sabah, European Union (EU) Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Kuwait Anne Koistinen, a number of EU ambassadors and members of the Bulgarian community. Dimitrov said the selection of Kuwait as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media is due to the prestigious role it plays in the field of culture and media -- both Arab and international. He affirmed that the two countries enjoy a rich history of international cultural activities and cooperation in multilateral forums.
He stated 'we must explore opportunities for cooperation in the fields of studying and preserving historical heritage, and exchanging exhibitions and museums. Prospects for cooperation in education and Science must remain at the core of our attention, guided by the successes we have achieved over more than six decades of bilateral diplomatic relations.'
He also praised the role of the Language Center at Kuwait University for its valuable support in teaching Arabic to specialists. 'As diplomats, we express our appreciation for Kuwait's achievements in the field of culture, and for the efforts of Kuwaiti entities working in the field of culture and the arts; particularly the Ministry of Information and NCCAL. They support international cultural exchange. They enable those interested in culture and the arts, and the Kuwaiti society in general, to learn about the cultures, traditions and achievements of countries around the world in the fields of Literature, Fine Arts, Music and other cultural activities,' he added.
He expressed his deep appreciation for the Ministry of Information and NCCAL for their efforts in this field, and for their support in organizing an impressive cultural event in Kuwait with the participation of prominent artists from Bulgaria, European countries and other countries around the world. He also thanked the House of Islamic Antiquities 'for the longstanding, fruitful cooperation that enabled us to organize a series of influential concerts featuring talented Bulgarian artists in Kuwait.'
He reiterated his country's commitment to further strengthen cooperation with Kuwait in the field of cultural diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of culture in building bridges between peoples. He said 'we believe in the power of cultural diplomacy.' Regarding the occasion, he disclosed 'the Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Enlightenment and Culture is one of the most important occasions in my country; as our letters, literature and cultural traditions have enabled the Bulgarian people to preserve their national identity among the peoples of Europe through centuries of historical change.'
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