In Abu Dhabi, the Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici engaged in an official meeting with the Minister of Culture and Youth of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Salem Bin Khalid Al Qassimi, with the aim of strengthening the already flourishing relationship between the two countries in the cultural sphere.
During this encounter, both Ministers emphasized the robust partnership between Malta and UAE within the cultural and artistic domains. They underlined their determination to maintain and enhance their collaboration, aiming for a more robust and expansive platform of mutual cultural cooperation between the two nations. In particular, they articulated their firm commitment to sustaining this partnership, facilitating the exchange of expertise, and expanding their cultural offerings to create a distinctive and enriched cultural ecosystem.
Moreover, pivotal discussions during the meeting revolved around critical aspects of cultural heritage, including UNESCO’s role in safeguarding it in the light of Climate Change and other challenges, the development of international exhibitions and new opportunities for student exchanges in the field of heritage protection. The Ministers acknowledged the role of these vital components in bolstering cultural understanding and cooperation.
Additionally, they made references to various ongoing and potential collaborations facilitated by the diverse cultural entities from both nations, encompassing international exhibitions, lending of invaluable artefacts, and the exchange of interdisciplinary practices in restoration and archaeological projects.
At the end of the meeting, Minister Al Qassami accompanied Minister Bonnici for a visit to the Artisan Museum of Abu Dhabi.