Latest news with #Al-Jassar
Arab Times
20-05-2025
- General
- Arab Times
A Legacy Of Friendship: Kuwait And India Reflect On 250 Years Of Strong Bilateral Relations
KUWAIT CITY, May 20: In a testament to the rich and enduring friendship between Kuwait and India, the Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, praised the relationship between the two nations as a unique model of brotherhood and cultural synergy. His remarks came during the inauguration of the exhibition 'Rihla - E- Dosti: 250 Years of Relations between India and Kuwait,' hosted at the Kuwait National Library in collaboration with the Embassy of India and the Kuwait Heritage Society. Dr. Al-Jassar emphasized that the relationship between Kuwait and India has never been limited to mere economic interests. 'It is a deep and exceptional bond woven through centuries of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and shared values,' he said. Highlighting the long-standing maritime and commercial ties, he described how the early roots of this connection began around 1775 when Kuwaiti ships first docked at Indian ports. These initial encounters laid the foundation for what would become a dynamic trade network stretching across the East and West, positioning Kuwait as a vital commercial hub in the Gulf region. He noted that many Kuwaiti families eventually settled near Indian ports, engaging in the export of key commodities such as foodstuffs and timber, while importing dates and Arabian horses, contributing significantly to the economic and cultural prosperity of both nations. 'Our shared heritage and ancient history continue to be a guiding light toward a future of stronger cooperation and cultural unity,' Al-Jassar added. The exhibition, which runs until the end of the week, showcases rare archival photographs, historical documents, and items that highlight the profound civilizational and cultural influence exchanged between the two countries over centuries. Seminars and interactive sessions also explore these deep-rooted connections. Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Sewaka, echoed these sentiments, noting that the relationship between the two countries predates their formation as modern states. He recalled how Kuwaiti vessels once carried dates, pearls, and horses to Indian shores, returning with rice, spices, wood, and textiles—products that sustained not only Kuwait but the wider Gulf region. Ambassador Sewaka stressed the importance of educating the younger generations about this historic bond. 'This exhibition serves as a celebration of our shared journey and a reminder to our youth of the cultural bridges that have long connected our peoples,' he said. He revealed that school and university students from across Kuwait would visit the exhibition in the coming days. Among the displays are documents related to trade at Indian ports, Arabic books on pearl diving printed in India, historic banknotes and currencies used in Kuwait up to 1961, and postage stamps printed in India. These artifacts offer a tangible look into the intertwined legacies of India and Kuwait. The ambassador extended his gratitude to the NCCAL for its ongoing efforts in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and praised the Kuwait Heritage Society, particularly its chairman Fahad Al-Abduljalil, for being instrumental in bringing the event to life. The exhibition, 'Dosti's Journey: 250 Years of India-Kuwait Relations,' is a joint initiative involving the Embassy of India, NCCAL, Kuwait Heritage Society, National Archives of India, and India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of External Affairs. It stands as a powerful tribute to the centuries-old relationship built on trade, trust, and an enduring cultural kinship.
Kuwait Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
NCCAL chief underlines Kuwait-EU cultural ties
KUWAIT: Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-Jassar on Monday underscored the importance of cultural cooperation between Kuwait and the European Union, describing it as a cornerstone for strengthening bilateral ties across diverse sectors. Speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of the EU-Kuwait Culture Forum, Al-Jassar praised the 'fruitful and excellent' cultural relations between the two sides. The forum, held for the first time, was organized by the EU Delegation to Kuwait under the patronage of Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, in celebration of Kuwait's designation as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025. Al-Jassar noted the continued presence of EU archaeological teams working in Kuwait as a prime example of effective cooperation, emphasizing their contributions to unearthing and preserving the country's rich heritage. Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-Jassar with Anne Koistinen, EU Ambassador to Kuwait. – KUNA photos EU-Kuwait Culture Forum. Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-Jassar Anne Koistinen, EU Ambassador to Kuwait He also highlighted the growing number of Kuwaiti students pursuing higher education in European countries, acquiring valuable expertise to support national development efforts. In addition, Al-Jassar pointed to successful architectural collaborations, including landmark projects in Kuwait designed by European architects, as further evidence of the strength of cultural ties. 'This forum reflects Kuwait's commitment to reinforcing cultural exchange with nations around the world, particularly the European Union,' he said. EU Ambassador to Kuwait Anne Koistinen lauded Kuwait's cultural and civilizational legacy, describing it as a 'valuable traditional treasure.' She emphasized the depth of cooperation in various fields such as architecture, the arts, and human sciences, as well as shared museum initiatives between Kuwait and the EU. Koistinen praised the forum as a tangible demonstration of deep-rooted and expanding cultural collaboration, noting that Kuwait and the EU are set to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations in early 2026. Prominent figures from both sides participated in the forum, engaging in dialogue on preserving cultural heritage and exploring new avenues of cooperation. Discussions included initiatives such as the European Capitals of Culture, best practices in heritage conservation, cultural innovation, the role of museums, and community engagement in cultural activities. The event also served as a platform to explore strategies to elevate EU-Kuwait cultural relations to a more strategic level, aligning with both sides' aspirations to foster long-term partnerships grounded in mutual respect and shared cultural values. — KUNA
Arab Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait-EU forge deeper cultural ties at landmark forum
KUWAIT CITY, May 19 : Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-Jassar on Monday stressed the significance of Kuwait-EU cultural cooperation. Al-Jassar made the statement to KUNA on the sidelines of the EUKuwait Culture Forum, organized by the EU Delegation to Kuwait to celebrate the State of Kuwait becoming the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025. The first-ever event was held under the patronage of Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al- Mutairi. Al-Jassar said that Kuwait-EU cooperation cultural cooperation plays a significant role in the promotion of bilateral relations in various domains, hailing their bilateral cultural relations as 'fruitful and excellent'. He cited the continued visits of EU archaeological excavation teams to Kuwait as a resonant paradigm of fruitful cooperation between both sides. He added that Kuwait always sends many students to EU countries to acquire knowledge and expertise in different fields so that they could contribute to developing their homeland and society. He also cited existing architectural cooperation between Kuwait and the EU, particularly regarding the EU designing of special buildings and landmarks in Kuwait as another unequivocal proof of their significant cultural cooperation. Al-Jassar considered that today's event reflects the fact that the State of Kuwait attaches much attention to bolstering and cementing cultural relations with world countries, especially the EU. For her part, Anne Koistinen, EU Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, told KUNA that Kuwait's cultural and civilizational heritage is a valuable traditional treasure, pointing to EU archaeological missions in Kuwait. She added that Kuwait-EU cooperation covers architecture, arts and human science, along with the sharing of movable museums. Koistinen spoke highly of the first-ever EU-Kuwaiti cultural forum as clear-cut proof of deep cultural cooperation between the EU and the State of Kuwait, which are expected to mark 40 years since they forged their diplomatic relations early next year. Prominent speakers from the EU and Kuwait participated in the forum to discuss the long-standing collaboration between European Union Member States and Kuwait to preserve and promote cultural heritage. During the event, participants also exchanged ways to promote and increase EU-Kuwait cultural connections, as both sides strive to enhance their excellent relations and elevate them to a strategic level. The discussions at the forum touched upon a wide range of topics, including initiatives such as the European Capitals of Culture, best European and Kuwaiti practices in preserving cultural heritage and building partnerships, as well as innovation and audiovisual practices or the role of museums in raising awareness and engaging the local communities in cultural heritage practices. (KUNA)
Kuwait News Agency
19-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait News Agency
NCCAL chief underlines Kuwait-EU cultural coop.
KUWAIT, May 19 (KUNA) -- Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-Jassar on Monday stressed the significance of Kuwait-EU cultural cooperation. Al-Jassar made the statement to KUNA on the sidelines of the EU-Kuwait Culture Forum, organized by the EU Delegation to Kuwait to celebrate the State of Kuwait becoming the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025. The first-ever event was held under the patronage of Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. Al-Jassar said that Kuwait-EU cooperation cultural cooperation plays a significant role in the promotion of bilateral relations in various domains, hailing their bilateral cultural relations as "fruitful and excellent". He cited the continued visits of EU archaeological excavation teams to Kuwait as a resonant paradigm of fruitful cooperation between both sides. He added that Kuwait always sends many students to EU countries to acquire knowledge and expertise in different fields so that they could contribute to developing their homeland and society. He also cited existing architectural cooperation between Kuwait and the EU, particularly regarding the EU designing of special buildings and landmarks in Kuwait as another unequivocal proof of their significant cultural cooperation. Al-Jassar considered that today's event reflects the fact that the State of Kuwait attaches much attention to bolstering and cementing cultural relations with world countries, especially the EU. For her part, Anne Koistinen, EU Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, told KUNA that Kuwait's cultural and civilizational heritage is a valuable traditional treasure, pointing to EU archaeological missions in Kuwait. She added that Kuwait-EU cooperation covers architecture, arts and human science, along with the sharing of movable museums. Koistinen spoke highly of the first-ever EU-Kuwaiti cultural forum as clear-cut proof of deep cultural cooperation between the EU and the State of Kuwait, which are expected to mark 40 years since they forged their diplomatic relations early next year. Prominent speakers from the EU and Kuwait participated in the forum to discuss the long-standing collaboration between European Union Member States and Kuwait to preserve and promote cultural heritage. During the event, participants also exchanged ways to promote and increase EU-Kuwait cultural connections, as both sides strive to enhance their excellent relations and elevate them to a strategic level. The discussions at the forum touched upon a wide range of topics, including initiatives such as the European Capitals of Culture, best European and Kuwaiti practices in preserving cultural heritage and building partnerships, as well as innovation and audiovisual practices or the role of museums in raising awareness and engaging the local communities in cultural heritage practices. (end)
Arab Times
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Kuwait showcases cultural vision at Venice Architecture Biennale
PARIS, May 10: Dr. Mohammad Al-Jassar, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), highlighted Kuwait's participation in the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale as a reflection of the nation's contemporary cultural vision. He emphasized the importance of reinterpreting Kuwait's architectural identity as an artistic and cultural medium that mirrors societal transformations. The Kuwait Pavilion, inaugurated on Friday under the patronage of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), presents the 'Kaynouna' project. This exhibition, which runs until November 23, showcases the innovative work of young Kuwaiti creators. Their contributions offer a distinctive artistic perspective that transcends traditional styles, enhancing Kuwait's presence in international forums across various disciplines. The pavilion's opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Al-Jassar, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Antiquities and Museums Mohammed bin Redha, Consul General of the State of Kuwait in Milan and Northern Italy Sheikh Jaber Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, Executive Director of Kuwait Petroleum International in Italy Bashar Al-Awadhi, and representatives from Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Through 'Kaynouna,' the Kuwait Pavilion reimagines architecture as a field of research and exploration. The project employs architecture as a tool to raise questions about identity, history, and material culture. It utilizes experimental drawings, architectural installations, and critical research to move beyond conventional narratives, presenting architecture as a dynamic medium that reflects Kuwait's evolving relationship with its past, present, and future. The pavilion's success is attributed to the efforts of a dedicated Kuwaiti youth team, including Commissioner Abdulaziz Al-Mazidi and Deputy Commissioner Hamad Al-Khulaifi, who played pivotal roles in bringing this distinguished artistic and cultural project to fruition.
