JEDDAH, Feb 13 (KUNA) -- The 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World adopted on Thursday Jeddah Declaration, underlining the necessity of fighting illicit trafficking in cultural property and restoring the stolen items to their countries of origin.
The conference, which kicked off yesterday, was organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in collaboration with Saudi Ministry of Culture.
The declaration called for developing technical and cultural programs to be convenient for all society's categories, along organizing conferences and seminars, and supporting author's rights and relevant rights in the Islamic World.
It urged raising awareness on the importance of protecting the rights of culture and individuals in developing their talents.
It called for intensifying efforts to protect heritage in the Islamic World, mainly in the areas witnessing disputes or natural disasters.
Preserving heritage mainly that is placed on the world heritage list is a great responsibility upon the whole international family, according to the declaration.
It referred to enhancing international partnership and collaboration with organizations and institutions to share expertise and develop joint strategies to protect cultural heritage.
The declaration affirmed full support to Saudi Arabia to host "Mondiacult" Conference in 2029.
Kuwait took part in the conference with a delegation led by Secretary General of National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters Mohammad Al-Jassar.
The delegation included acting Assistant Secretary General of the NCCAL's museum and monuments sector Mohammad bin Redha and Chargأ© d'Affaires at the Consulate General of Kuwait in Jeddah Minister Plenipotentiary Nasser Al-Khalidi as well as other Kuwaiti officials. (end) nf.mmj.hm