Latest news with #culturaldiplomacy
Times of Oman
27-05-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Commemorative postage stamp inaugurated between Oman and Iran
Muscat: Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Dr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, jointly inaugurated a commemorative postage stamp symbolising the profound cultural and historical ties between Oman and Iran, as well as their shared commitment to the principles of good neighbourliness, cooperation, constructive engagement, and civilizational exchange between their peoples. The ceremony took place at Al Alam Palace in Muscat, coinciding with the official visit of President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Sultanate of Oman. Sayyid Nasr bin Badr Al Busaidi, Postmaster at Oman Post, stated that this stamp embodies the deep-rooted cultural and historical connections between the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran, reflecting their mutual dedication to strengthening cultural diplomacy, fostering neighbourly relations, and promoting people-to-people ties. The stamp's artistic design harmoniously blends the architectural and cultural symbols of both nations. At its centre stands the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat—an iconic landmark of Omani Islamic architecture—framed by date palms, which symbolize resilience and Oman's rich agricultural heritage, forming an integral part of the country's environmental and social identity. On the opposite side, the stamp features the historic Jameh Mosque of Bastak in southern Iran, encircled by cypress trees—a symbol of eternity and Persian visual culture—representing continuity and civilizational endurance. At the heart of the design lies a handwoven Persian carpet, inspired by the one housed in the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, which was meticulously crafted in Iran's Khorasan province and adorned with intricate floral motifs. This serves as a testament to the artisanal collaboration between the two nations and a symbol of their diverse cultural connections. Through this joint artistic endeavour, both countries reaffirm their commitment to enhancing cooperation in postal services, paving the way for broader partnerships that promise mutual benefits. -ONA
Jordan Times
22-05-2025
- Jordan Times
When wonders meet: Petra and Great Wall of China forge global alliance
The agreement marks a new chapter in cultural diplomacy, bringing together two of the world's most iconic heritage sites (Photos by Ahmed Khlifat) PETRA — The ancient city of Petra hosted a historic event on Tuesday as it welcomed a high-level Chinese delegation for the signing of a twinning agreement between Petra and Jiayuguan City, home to the Great Wall of China. The agreement marks a new chapter in cultural diplomacy, bringing together two of the world's most iconic heritage sites in a strategic partnership to promote international tourism, exchange, and cooperation. The ceremony, held in front of Petra's Treasure, was led by Fares Braizat, Chief Commissioner of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, Zhao Shumin, Director of the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Jiayuguan Municipality, and was attended by Chen Chuandong, Chinese Ambassador to Jordan, as well as representatives from Jordan's tourism and local development sectors. 'This is a historical moment,' Braizat said, 'We are not just connecting two landmarks – we are connecting two great cultures from the Middle East and East Asia. This partnership promotes dialogue, fosters mutual respect, and raises global awareness of the values we share.' The agreement outlines a roadmap for collaboration in tourism marketing, cultural exchange, education, investment, and joint events. It includes plans for hosting exhibitions, supporting community-based initiatives, and sharing expertise in heritage preservation, traditional industries, and crafts. Ambassador Chen highlighted the broader significance of the partnership : 'Jordan has long stood at the crossroads of civilisations. By uniting Petra and the Great Wall, we celebrate peace, prosperity, and humanity's shared legacy. We hope to see more Chinese tourists walking through the wonders of Petra.' This initiative follows a growing trend by the Petra authority to build global cultural bridges : similar twinning agreements have already been signed with the Colosseum in Rome and the Alhambra in Grenada, all aimed at reinforcing Petra's position as a global tourism hub. Petra, a masterpiece of Nabatean architecture carved into rose-red rock more than 2,000 years ago, remains a symbol of resilience, trade, and intercultural exchange. Likewise, the Great Wall, an architectural marvel and strategic fortress at the edge of China's ancient Silk Road – stands as a testament to China's imperial ingenuity and historic connectivity with the West. 'This agreement will enhance the Great Wall's standing on the global tourism map while creating exciting new opportunities for Petra in the Chinese market,' Zhao Shumin said. 'It opens the door to long-term cooperation rooted in cultural appreciation and mutual respect.' As two marvels of ancient civilization join hands in a modern pact, the Petra-Jiayuguan partnership sets a new precedent for how heritage sites can collaborate across borders – not just to attract visitors, but to inspire cultural understanding in a deeply interconnected world.
Arab News
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
What We Are Reading Today: The Aesthetic Cold War by Peter J. Kalliney
How did superpower competition and the cold war affect writers in the decolonizing world? In 'The Aesthetic Cold War,' Peter Kalliney explores the various ways that rival states used cultural diplomacy and the political police to influence writers. In response, many writers from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean — such as Chinua Achebe, Mulk Raj Anand, Eileen Chang, C.L.R. James, Alex La Guma, Doris Lessing, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, and Wole Soyinka — carved out a vibrant conceptual space of aesthetic nonalignment, imagining a different and freer future for their work.
Times of Oman
14-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman Joins Europe in Celebrating the 75th Europe Day with a Landmark Jazz Concert in Muscat
Muscat: In a powerful display of cultural diplomacy and international friendship, the Delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy to Oman, hosted a Jazz Concert by Luca Velotti & Silvia Manco Duo at Bait Al Zubair on Monday, 12 May 2025, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Europe Day. In the esteemed presence of Amb. Dr. Afkar bin Nathim bin Ali Al Farsi, Head of the Department of International Trade, Knowledge Economy and Technology at the Foreign Ministry, H.E. Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of the European Union to the Sultanate of Oman, and H.E. Pierluigi D'Elia, Ambassador of Italy to the Sultanate of Oman welcomed senior Omani officials, members of the diplomatic community, prominent cultural figures, and members of the Omani and European communities. The evening was a showcase of unity, cooperation, and the shared commitment to peace and dialogue between Europe and Oman. This year's celebration marked a historic milestone—75 years since the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, which laid the foundation for the European Union and its enduring mission to transform a war-torn continent into a peaceful, prosperous, and united Europe. Europe Day is a reminder of Europe's shared past and future which is rooted in cooperation, openness, and the belief that unity and diversity can go hand in hand. Highlighting the importance of Europe Day, H.E. Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of the European Union to the Sultanate of Oman recalled that: 'On Europe Day, it is important to remember the value of peace and dialogue, the importance of partnerships for building a more prosperous and secure future. The European Union values the partnership with the Sultanate of Oman and applauds its role in advancing peace and security in the region.' Renowned Italian jazz artists Luca Velotti, known for his collaborations with Paolo Conte, and Silvia Manco, a distinguished pianist and vocalist, captivated the audience with a sophisticated performance that merged classic jazz with European soul. Their music served as a bridge between cultures, evoking the very spirit of Europe Day. The event was part of the European Union's broader engagement to strengthen cultural exchanges with Oman and foster mutual understanding. It further reinforces the values that define the Europe-Oman partnership: dialogue, respect, and collaboration.
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Filipino Artists Conduct Art Workshops in South Africa
As part of its cultural diplomacy program, the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, in partnership with the Kapatiran at Ugnayan ng Natatanging Sining at Talentong Pilipino (KUNST), organized back-to-back art workshops in South Africa. The first workshop, which was held on 27 April 2025 at the Philippine Embassy multifunction hall, was attended by members of the Filipino community in South Africa, as well as personnel, dependents, and friends of the Embassy. The second workshop was organized on 29 April 2025 at the Javett Art Centre (JAC) for art enthusiasts from the University of Pretoria and selected South African youth. The workshops were facilitated by visiting artists from the Philippines, namely, Aris Bagtas, Jr., Remo Valenton, Loriel Castillo, and Ariosto Dale Bagtas, using oil pastel and felt paper. Participants were keen to learn various drawing and coloring techniques since it was their first time to use this medium. The workshops also enabled the Filipino artists to introduce to the South African participants the concept of Filipinism, whose guiding philosophy is to allow Filipino visual artists to infuse the essence of being a Filipino into their artworks. The Filipino artists are in South Africa for the Viaje 5 Filipinism: What Makes Art Filipino exhibition, which ran from 23 to 30 April 2025 at the JAC, a prestigious art gallery in Pretoria. This is the first exhibition from Filipino artists mounted by the gallery since its establishment in 2017. The Embassy will continue to tap into the potent power of cultural diplomacy to deepen the friendship between the Filipino and South African people, as well as build a positive brand for the Philippines in the host country. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.
