RIYADH: Kuwaiti Minister of Information and Culture Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi and Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the cultural sector. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing cultural ties between the two nations and reflects the close relations between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

The agreement will foster cultural exchange in various areas, including heritage, architecture and design, museums, visual arts, performing arts, literature, publishing, translation, fashion, culinary arts, and film.

It also outlines cooperation in sharing expertise related to cultural regulations and policies, as well as participation in cultural festivals and events. The deal will facilitate the exchange of knowledge regarding the implementation of UNESCO agreements, to which both countries are signatories, along with strategic joint projects across different cultural domains.

The memorandum emphasizes enhancing collaboration in artist residency programs between governmental and private institutions in both countries and streamlining procedures to promote cultural affairs. It also covers projects related to preserving the countries’ heritage.

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will implement the memorandum through the exchange of official delegations and experts in diverse cultural fields, training programs, workshops, capacity-building initiatives, and seminars for specialists, intellectuals, and artists from both sides.

This agreement illustrates the commitment of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to strengthen cultural ties and develop joint projects that support art and culture, reflecting their shared history and future aspirations. Following the signing, Minister Al-Mutairi was given a tour of the Riyadh International Book Fair, where he was introduced to the various booths featuring nearly 2,000 publishing houses participating this year. — KUNA