Latest news with #culturalcooperation
Times of Oman
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
RGO takes part in Basel Tattoo 2025 music concert
Basel: The Royal Guard of Oman (RGO) Music Wing particpated in Basel Tattoo 2025 concert for military music in Swiss Confederation. The concert has been organised within the activities of the international festival which lasts till 21 July. The participation of the RGO Music came at an official invitation from the Swiss Ministry of Defence. The RGO participation depicts the deep-rooted relations and cultural cooperation between the two countries. Brigadier Ramis bin Jamaan al Awairah, Director General of Music at the Royal Guard of Oman said that the participation aimed to shed light on the cultural aspects of the Sultanate of Oman. He pointed out that the Sultanate of Oman views culture and art as a way of dissemination of messages of peace and communication. He said that the performance of the concert has displayed the advance level of the players of musical instruments. The concert of the RGO Music was warmly welcomed by the attendees and the organisers of the event who described it as reflecting the concern and attention accorded to military music.
Arab News
08-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
German-GCC dialogue in Berlin explores pathways for stronger ties
What does the future hold for German-GCC relations, and how can cultural cooperation and policy dialogue further strengthen ties? This question was debated during the seventh annual German-Arab Gulf Dialogue on Security and Cooperation in Berlin on June 23 and 24. The forum was jointly hosted by the German-Arab Friendship Association, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, and The Diwan Kuwait. Under the honorary chairmanship of Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the two-day event brought together leading representatives from the Gulf and Germany for in-depth dialogue and exchange. During our cultural diplomacy roundtable, I highlighted the urgent need to nurture collaboration through culture — a bridge that endures even when official dialogue stalls. The discussion began by acknowledging the long-standing historical ties between Germany and the Gulf, dating back to the mid-20th century. The Gulf's own international cultural initiatives, such as the Arab Cultural House in Berlin, demonstrate the region's commitment to intercultural dialogue. Sports and artistic exchanges were also cited as successful examples of recent German-Arab collaborations. Another notable example is the newly announced partnership between the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture, focusing on long-term cooperation in the museum sector. Yet, as discussed at the roundtable, cultural policy often remains absent from most European high-level agendas, overshadowed by immediate security and economic concerns. Recent funding cuts in Germany and other European nations signal growing concern for the cultural sector, taking a toll on cross-border cooperation. This was evident in the tone of the speeches at the forum, which highlighted the urgency of concrete actions ranging from institutional partnerships to community engagement. "The essence of cultural diplomacy is the creation of a shared zone or meta-space for human contact and cultural exchange.' A recurring theme from our discussion was education, which is a key tool for developing intercultural competences. The conversation also turned to the role of media, both traditional and digital, in shaping cultural perceptions. Modern cultural diplomacy often intersects with digital diplomacy. In Germany, social media is a primary source of news, influencing how the Gulf states are viewed and vice versa. These platforms have become a reflection of modern society's collective mindset. The essence of cultural diplomacy is the creation of a shared zone or meta-space for human contact and cultural exchange. But I believe there is still a limited understanding of how the digital environment can strategically foster mutual trust and long-term relationships. While some strategies emphasize the need for macro-level initiatives, others promote micro-level activities to build mutual respect and coexistence, reflecting the diverse pathways to promoting intercultural understanding. The role of cultural knowledge, including knowledge of certain values and norms, helps to facilitate successful communication. This might call for the creation of a unified cultural curriculum that is co-developed between nations and taught in schools — a curriculum that emphasizes language learning, intercultural understanding, and shared human values such as tolerance and moderation. It would offer an inclusive tool and space for nations to tell their stories and share their history. Reflecting on the forum, several topics emerged that are particularly relevant to current global affairs, including youth empowerment and environmental sustainability. As a way forward, it is critical that we push for multi-stakeholder partnerships to bring together diverse expertise and resources to build stronger links between nations. What resonated throughout this forum, and was unanimously agreed upon during our roundtable, is that governments play a crucial role in this process. By investing in research and supporting institutions that encourage constructive dialogue and mutual learning, they can help shape a more connected and empathetic global community. This could include making strategic use of public-private partnerships and multilateral initiatives. Through these aligned efforts, Germany and the Gulf nations can strengthen their cultural ties and promote impactful, long-term collaboration. • Dr. Ghadah W. Alharthi is an international cultural adviser and an associate professor specializing in culture and innovation at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. X: @ GhadahWA
Asharq Al-Awsat
30-06-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Culture Ministry, China-Arab Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Research Center Sign Executive Program
The Saudi Ministry of Culture and the China-Arab Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Research Center signed on Sunday an executive program, further strengthening collaboration between the Kingdom and China in the cultural field. The executive program, taking place in parallel with the 2025 Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year, reinforces joint efforts in cultural areas. The executive program was signed by Deputy Minister for Research and Cultural Heritage Affairs Dr. Maha Abdullah Alsenan and Vice President of Beijing International Studies University and member of the Joint Committee of the China-Arab Research Center for Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Cheng Wei at the headquarters of the Ministry of Culture in Diriyah. Under the executive program, the two sides will jointly carry out research projects to boost the quality of cultural research submitted and collaborate to identify and compile cultural content related to each country held in national archives. In addition, the Ministry of Culture will collaborate with the China to hold joint conferences and support mutual visits and exchanges between cultural researchers from both countries to discuss common cultural issues. The program includes support for research exchange operations, facilitating visits by Saudi researchers to Chinese universities and research centers, as well as by Chinese researchers to Saudi universities and research centers. It provides both sides with specialists in cultural fields, offers support in the research fellowship program, and provides consultative support. This executive program comes within the context of the Ministry of Culture's commitment to promoting international cultural exchange as one of the objectives of the National Culture Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030 and as an extension of the activities of the 2025 Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year, which aims to consolidate the close relations between Saudi Arabia and China in various development fields.
Reuters
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Reuters
Russian culture minister in North Korea praises 'unprecedented' cooperation
June 28 (Reuters) - Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova arrived in North Korea on Saturday with a 125-strong delegation of performers and praised cultural cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang for achieving "unprecedented heights". Lyubimova, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said a series of concerts and lectures would take place in the North Korean capital in the coming days. Among those in the delegation were performers from the Pyatnitsky Choir and the Gzhel dance troupe. Lyubimova said that thanks to agreements clinched between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un "cooperation in the cultural sphere between our countries has reached unprecedented heights". Since Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow and Pyongyang have drawn closer together, with the two leaders signing a treaty, including a mutual defence pact. After months of silence, North Korea and Russia have disclosed the deployment of North Korean troops and the role they played in Moscow's offensive to evict Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region.
Times of Oman
24-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Omani Publications Corner inaugurated at Chechen State Pedagogical University
Moscow: A dedicated "Omani Publications Corner" was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Chechen State Pedagogical University, marking a milestone in the cultural cooperation between the National Museum of Oman and the university. This initiative coincides with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation. The Omani Publications Corner aims to support non-Arabic-speaking students specialising in Omani studies, providing them with knowledge about Oman's civilizational and intellectual heritage. This effort seeks to strengthen cultural ties between the two friendly nations and encourage further academic and research collaboration. The corner features a diverse collection of books and cultural and educational publications spanning literature, language, history, science, media, arts, Islamic studies, geography and the environment. Within the same context, the National Museum, through its Learning Centre, organised a cultural programme involving 180 students from schools in Muscat Governorate. The programme introduced Omani students to Russian literature through selected literary and artistic works that reflect the depth of Russian language and culture, broadening their intellectual and cultural horizons.
