Saudi Arabia and China Strengthen Cultural Cooperation
In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia and China have signed an agreement to boost collaboration across various cultural sectors during a significant visit to Beijing by the Kingdom’s culture minister, Prince Badr bin Abdullah.
The memorandum of understanding was signed between Prince Badr and Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli after discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
The agreement focuses on increasing collaboration in museums, cultural heritage, theater and performing arts, visual arts, architecture and design arts, libraries, and traditional and craft arts.
Furthermore, both sides have agreed to exchange regulations and policies, participate in each other’s cultural events and festivals, and establish artistic residency programs between government and private institutions. They will also share expertise and organize cultural activities.
The Saudi Ministry of Culture is committed to promoting international exchanges as part of its strategic goals under the Vision 2030 initiative, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
During the meeting, Prince Badr congratulated Sun on his appointment as minister of culture and tourism in December and praised the strong ties between the two countries.
As a symbol of the growing partnership, Saudi Arabia was chosen as the guest of honor at this year’s Beijing International Book Fair in June. The Ministry of Culture will be represented by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission at the event.
Prince Badr expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter in Saudi-Chinese cultural cooperation, stating, “With the support of the leadership of the two friendly countries, Saudi-Chinese cultural cooperation begins a new chapter with several agreements.”
He added, “I was pleased to sign a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China to promote cultural cooperation, (and witness the signing of a) cooperation agreement for the Film Commission with the Chinese film group Bona.”