Bahraini-Egyptian cultural cooperation discussed

Manama, Dec. 27 (BNA): President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) Shaikha Mab int Mohammed AL Khalifa received here today the Egyptian Ambassador to Bahrain Suha Ibrahim Mohammed Rifaat. They discussed ways to strengthen joint cultural relations, in light of the kingdom's celebration of the year 2017 under the theme "If Our Antiquities Speak", noting that the focus will be on the importance of investing in the heritage sites to serve cultural tourism and consolidate Bahrain's status international in this regard. Shaikh Mai stressed the depth of bilateral relations, lauding the volume of cultural exchange over the years, citing the choice of Bahrain as the Guest of Honour of 47th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair. The ambassador lauded BACA's role and efforts to consolidate Bahrain's national identity, and develop cultural action to serve the Economic Vision of Bahrain, 2030 which, she said, stresses the importance of investing in culture. She also called for the need to broaden bilateral cultural cooperation, especially with the designation of Luxor City as Capital of Arab Culture in 2017.