KUWAIT, Feb 13 (KUNA) -- The Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and Culture Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi launched on Thursday the "Kuwait, the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025", in the presence of some ministers and Arab dignitaries.
Speaking during a ceremony held at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center's theater, Al-Mutairi said it is an honor to him to represent His Highness the Amir, in this event, who is paying much attention to culture and media due to their key role in building society and boosting national identity.
"Today we are celebrating the end of the 30th session of Qurain Cultural Festival which has become an outstanding platform in Arab culture," Al-Mutairi, who also Minister of State for Youth Affairs, told the attendees.
This event coincides with the launch of "Kuwait, the Arab Capital of Culture and Media 2025" events in a manner that shows Kuwait's role in enriching the Arab culture.
He extolled Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization and Arab Information Ministers Council's role in naming Kuwait as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media 2025.
Al-Mutairi said "we affirm offering everything aiming to enrich media and cultural movement in different fields, and work on developing intellectual production".
Since its independence, Kuwait has been adopting an integrated cultural vision that made the country in the leading states, which support innovation, he stated.
Kuwait has launched several initiatives, which contributed to raising awareness of Arab generations and enhancing cultural identity, thanks to its continued efforts, he noted.
Kuwait has proven that culture is power for development and progress, and investing in culture is an investment in humans and future, he said.
He stressed commitment of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters to continuing support innovation and boosting cultural exchange among peoples through several events, which shed light on "our enriched identity".
The minister thanked His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for their permanent support, patronage and encouragement.
Meanwhile, Director-General of Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) Dr. Ould Amar congratulated Kuwait on opening this key event.
In a speech, he said it is a special cultural gain, as it would constitute a key opportunity to re-discover Kuwait and mark its intellectual, scientific and cultural history.
He commended Al-Mutairi's efforts in making success of such events, referring to Al-Quds Al-Sharif city as a permanent capital of Arab culture in parallel with any Arab city selected for this event.
ALECSO is seeking to develop cultural policies in the Arab countries, and a team will be formed to work for this goal, he stated. (end) shd.hm