Manama:The State of Qatar participated in a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meeting focused on promoting cultural cooperation among the member states. The event was attended by HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani and took place during the 30th meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies GCC Ministers of Culture in Manama, Bahrain.

According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting was chaired by HE Chairman of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, who also serves as the current president of the GCC Committee of Ministers of Culture. HE GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi was present at the gathering.

The discussions centered on enhancing coordination and integration within the cultural sector, supporting cultural and creative industries, and increasing the international presence of Gulf culture. HE Albudaiwi emphasized the shared rich civilizational heritage and cultural identity of the GCC countries, which contribute to social cohesion and strength.

Statistical data presented at the meeting highlighted that the member states collectively have nearly 300 museums and over 170 public libraries. Cultural events across the Gulf have attracted more than 5.5 million visitors and featured participation from over 8,000 exhibitors and publishing houses. Albudaiwi stressed the need to elevate Gulf cultural cooperation to a higher level of integration, which would enhance culture's role in shaping future initiatives and building bridges between peoples.

The GCC Cultural and Creative Industries Action Plan for 2027-2030 was highlighted as a significant step towards developing joint programs and projects, along with establishing a GCC Cultural and Creative Industries Index and a cultural statistics platform. These initiatives are intended to support planning, decision-making, and assess the cultural sector's economic contributions to the GCC economies.

Albudaiwi concluded by stating that the meeting's discussions provided an opportunity to deepen cultural coordination and integration among the member states, building on the achievements of joint Gulf cooperation.