Qatar Presented a Model in Cultural Exchange during World Cup

Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari

HE Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari said that the State of Qatar presented a model and a lesson to the whole world in cultural exchange, and that the Qatari society - with its wise leadership - overcame the challenge in cultural interaction.

This came during a symposium in which His Excellency participated on the occasion of the launch of his book within the cultural activities of the ongoing 32nd Doha International Book Fair at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center until Wednesday under the slogan "With Reading We Rise." HE Dr. Hamad Al Kuwari stressed that the book highlights how the Qatari society presented a lesson in the concept of cultural exchange, which is respect for cultural specificities, and not acquiesce to imposing cultural expressions that contradict Arab-Islamic values, and that Qatar's message to the world is to realize the necessity of commitment that cultural interaction is based on dialogue, respect and acquaintance and not clash, hatred and differentiation.

He pointed out that the cultural events that accompanied the World Cup strengthened the identity and affirmed that the Arab-Islamic culture is part of the national identity, as the bets of the Qataris were on presenting their culture, customs and traditions with great pride, which gave the World Cup an exceptional character with Qatar introducing a new cultural pattern in intercultural dialogue and pride with national identity. The World Cup also helped revitalize the creative industries, he said.

During the symposium, His Excellency also spoke in detail about cultural diplomacy and its impact on achieving communication between nations, and that it achieves what cannot be achieved through politics.

Dr. Al Kuwari touched on his book published by Dar Al Watad in Qatar in conjunction with 7 Arab publishing houses, and spoke about the thread that connects his books and how each book represents an intellectual biography of a stage of his life, and that he tends to document in his writings.

During the event, the Minister of State said that the Doha International Book Fair is distinguished by the number and quality of the participants and with its slogan "With Reading We Rise."

(QNA)