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.



Egypt Recovers 3 Ancient Artifacts Found in the Netherlands

This picture shows a partial view of Cairo on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)
This picture shows a partial view of Cairo on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)
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Egypt Recovers 3 Ancient Artifacts Found in the Netherlands

This picture shows a partial view of Cairo on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)
This picture shows a partial view of Cairo on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)

Egypt recovered three ancient artifacts that were smuggled out of the country and found in the Netherlands, where two of the items were for sale in an antiques shop, Egyptian officials said Tuesday.
The items retrieved include a mummified head from the Hellenistic period, a ceramic funerary figurine dating to Egypt’s New Kingdom era (664-332 B.C.), and part of a wooden tomb bearing an inscription of the goddess Isis from 663-504 B.C., the Egyptian embassy in The Hague said in a statement. The head was found in good condition, showing remnants of teeth and hair, The Associated Press reported.
Dutch police and the cultural heritage inspection unit retrieved the figurines and parts of the tomb after determining that they were smuggled out of Egypt. A Dutch individual handed over the mummified head, which he had inherited from a family member, to local authorities.
The three artifacts are believed to have been stolen and smuggled after they were discovered through illegal excavation, according to Egyptian authorities. No details were provided about when those items were believed to have been unearthed and smuggled.
Repatriation from the Netherlands is part of Egypt’s wider push to stop trafficking of stolen antiquities. More than 30,000 artifacts have been recovered since 2014.
Last year, an ancient wooden sarcophagus that was featured at the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences was returned to Egypt after US authorities determined it was smuggled years ago.