Saudi Arabia and China Strengthen Cultural Cooperation

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, emphasizing the exchange of experiences, policies, and programs to bolster mutual understanding and appreciation. (SPA)
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, emphasizing the exchange of experiences, policies, and programs to bolster mutual understanding and appreciation. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia and China Strengthen Cultural Cooperation

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, emphasizing the exchange of experiences, policies, and programs to bolster mutual understanding and appreciation. (SPA)
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, emphasizing the exchange of experiences, policies, and programs to bolster mutual understanding and appreciation. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud and China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli signed a memorandum of understanding to boost cultural cooperation, strengthening the distinguished relations between the two countries.

Signed in Beijing, the agreement aims to deepen collaboration in various cultural sectors, including museums, cultural heritage, performing and visual arts, traditional crafts, and Chinese cultural entities, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, emphasizing the exchange of experiences, policies, and programs to bolster mutual understanding and appreciation.

Both parties are committed to facilitating cultural exchanges, participating in joint festivals and events, and collaborating on artist residency programs to encourage creative exchange and preserve cultural diversity.

The new partnership signifies the shared commitment to preserving, celebrating, and fostering a deeper understanding of the respective cultures. Saudi Arabia and China will enrich the cultural landscape and strengthen cultural ties by working together in areas such as preserving heritage and furthering artistic innovation.

The MoU also emphasizes cooperation in the digital cultural industry, encouraging dialogue, experiential knowledge exchange, and collaboration between institutions and professionals from both countries.

Additionally, it underscores measures to prevent the illegal import, export, and trafficking of works of art, reflecting a mutual dedication to safeguarding cultural treasures.



Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
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Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)

Recent heavy rains have caused significant damage in cities and villages controlled by the Houthi group in Yemen.

Historic forts and ancient buildings have been affected, with homes collapsing in Sanaa, its outskirts, and in the governorates of Raymah, Amran, Al-Bayda, and Hodeidah.

Flooding has particularly impacted the Bustan al-Sultan and Harqan neighborhoods in the UNESCO-listed city of Sanaa.

Sources have accused the Iran-backed Houthis of neglecting the disaster and ignoring residents’ calls for help, while they instead focused on their annual sectarian celebrations.

The Houthi-controlled “Historical Cities Preservation Authority” issued urgent warnings about historic buildings at risk of collapse in the old city in Sanaa and elsewhere. They reported that an ancient palace in an old neighborhood is near collapse.

In rural Sanaa, local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the historic Haraz fort has partially collapsed due to the rains. The fort is one of Yemen’s oldest.

The Raymah governorate has also suffered, with recent floods causing around eight deaths and destroying over 400 homes, including ancient buildings. Parts of the historic Zalamlam Mountain Castle have collapsed from the rain.

The Yemen Meteorological and Early Warning Center predicted that heavy thunderstorms, including hail and strong winds, will continue for the next 72 hours.

This weather is expected to impact highlands, slopes, and western coastal areas from Saada in the north to Taiz, Al-Daleh, and Lahj in the south.

The weather forecast predicted continued rainfall, including thunderstorms and strong winds, over parts of Al-Mahra, Hadramawt, Shabwa, Abyan, Marib, and Al-Jawf.

The center also expected strong winds to stir up dust and sand in the Socotra Archipelago, southern coasts, and areas affected by thunderstorms.

It advised people to stay away from valleys, flood-prone areas, and muddy roads. It warned to avoid electrical poles, billboards, and trees, and to turn off mobile phones during storms.