G20 Culture Ministers to Discuss Role of Culture in Economic Growth

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. (SPA file photo)
Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. (SPA file photo)
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G20 Culture Ministers to Discuss Role of Culture in Economic Growth

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. (SPA file photo)
Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. (SPA file photo)

The culture ministers of the G20 countries and leaders of international cultural organizations will meet on Wednesday to discuss the role of culture in supporting the global economy.

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan will preside over the meeting that will also tackle ways to bolster culture, building bridges of cultural communication and openness, bolstering inspiring dialogue and improving the quality of life of citizens and residents.

This marks the first time that culture ministers will convene on the sidelines of the G20 summit, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia on November 21 and 22.

The meeting was proposed by Saudi Arabia in its capacity as president of the G20 for 2020 and out of its belief in the importance of culture in social and economic development.

Wednesday’s summit will focus on protecting culture, sustainable development and the role of culture in economic development and international interaction.



Dozens of Exotic Animals Seized at Turkish Border

A woman covers with an umbrella against the rain during a summer storm at Kadikoy ferry terminal in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A woman covers with an umbrella against the rain during a summer storm at Kadikoy ferry terminal in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
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Dozens of Exotic Animals Seized at Turkish Border

A woman covers with an umbrella against the rain during a summer storm at Kadikoy ferry terminal in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A woman covers with an umbrella against the rain during a summer storm at Kadikoy ferry terminal in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Turkish customs officials in the northwestern city of Edirne discovered dozens of exotic animals being smuggled into Türkiye from Greece, The Associated Press said.

State-run Anadolu Agency reported that the mid-sized sedan with Greek license plates was carrying three kangaroos, three alpacas and one Patagonian mara in the trunk, and 12 parrots and 23 flying squirrels inside the vehicle. Many of the animals are juveniles.

Photos from the scene show the larger animals bound and squeezed together in tight confinement, while the smaller ones were crowded in cages.

The private Demiroren News Agency identified the driver of the vehicle as Yuksel D., who was subsequently detained by authorities.

All the animals survived and will be delivered to the Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.