Iraq and Libya are exploring joint cultural cooperation, focusing on tourism and a potential memorandum of understanding. The Iraqi envoy highlighted Baghdad’s upcoming roles as the Arab Culture and Tourism capitals for 2025, reinforcing Iraq’s cultural diplomacy efforts. Discussions included arts collaboration and organizing cultural events like the Iraqi-Libyan Cultural Week in Tripoli.
On Thursday, Ahmed Al-Sahaf, Iraq’s Charge d’Affaires to Libya, met with Mabrouka Toghi Othman, the Libyan Minister of Culture and Knowledge Affairs, to explore avenues for joint cultural cooperation. According to a statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussions centered on enhancing inter-tourism and the potential establishment of a comprehensive memorandum of understanding between Iraq and Libya.
Al-Sahaf highlighted the Council of Arab Ministers of Culture’s recent decision to designate Baghdad as the Arab Culture Capital for 2025 and emphasized Baghdad’s selection as the Capital of Arab Tourism for the same year. This appointment was informed by Iraq’s robust cultural infrastructure and political balance, reflecting the country’s progress in cultural diplomacy under Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s government.
The two officials addressed the importance of collaboration in cultural and production industries, including arts and theatre, and the potential hosting of Iraqi experts. They also acknowledged the need to strengthen cooperation among cultural research and music centers from both nations and to establish cultural centers that promote cultural diversity and offer training and scholarships.
Minister Othman expressed her enthusiasm for facilitating the signing of memorandums of understanding and her readiness to organize the Iraqi-Libyan Cultural Week in Tripoli, incorporating contributions from academics, artistic groups, poets, writers, and heritage experts, thereby enriching the cultural interaction between the two countries.
The meeting between Iraqi and Libyan officials is part of broader cultural diplomacy initiatives aimed at fostering cooperation between Arab nations. The significance of activating inter-tourism between Iraq and Libya is emphasized, indicating a focus on shared heritage and mutual cultural benefits. Baghdad’s designation as the Arab Culture Capital and Arab Tourism Capital reveals Iraq’s commitment to reviving its cultural prominence and tourism potential.
The dialogue between Iraq and Libya marks a significant step towards enhancing cultural cooperation, highlighted by proposals for exchanges in the arts and potential joint events. The commitment to foster inter-tourism and the establishment of cultural agreements demonstrates a mutual understanding of the importance of collaborative cultural growth in the Arab world. The forthcoming Iraqi-Libyan Cultural Week in Tripoli could further solidify the relationship through shared cultural experiences and expertise.
Original Source: ina.iq
