Closer Cultural Partnership Signals New Era For Saudi-Greek Relations
Saudi and Greek culture ministers herald new relationship during bilateral meeting in Athens
A new cultural partnership is now underway between Saudi Arabia and Greece following a meeting between the two culture ministers, HH Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud and Mrs. Lina Mendoni.
The discussion concluded with an agreement to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation in Riyadh in 2021, which will uplift the existing trade relationship - of nearly $1 billion - to include the exchange of cultural goods, services and skills. As the world looks to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, there was joint recognition to support hard hit sectors across the cultural ecosystem to ensure a return to growth for the US$2.25 trillion global creative industry.
Cooperation will establish ‘Cultural Weeks’ in both countries, which could bring about co-organized events such as heritage and art exhibitions and festivals. Joint archaeological projects were also discussed as a key area of collaboration, and it was noted that a historical relationship has existed between the countries for over 2,000 years.
The Memorandum will see the two countries join forces to address issues of global concern, such as the protection of tangible and intangible heritage, countering illicit trafficking of cultural property and the impact of climate change. The pair also underlined their respect and commitment for the work of UNESCO. This comes as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) reports that one third of natural world heritage sites to be under threat.
“As Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation continues at pace, we welcome closer relations with our Greek friends,” said Prince Badr after the meeting. “Both our countries have a deep and rich heritage, stretching back millennia, and a shared outlook on the positive power of cultural exchange and the need for its protection and preservation. As the Kingdom looks to share its culture with the world, Greece’s insight and experience has much to offer us.”
"We had an excellent discussion with H.H. Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud on the establishment of permanent and close cultural relations and exchanges between our two Countries,” said Lina Mendoni. “We agreed to have Culture Weeks in the two countries and, within these weeks, to see the possibility of co-organizing exhibitions, either of archaeological or contemporary artistic creation. It was an extremely constructive cooperation which will be sealed and confirmed by a Memorandum of Cooperation, which will be signed in Riyadh in 2021.”
The two nations, both rich in historical and archeological significance, already have important ties through trade. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is diversifing its economy away from oil and expanding its cultural offer, from heritage to tourism to cuisine – areas where Greece already excels. This provides fertile ground for greater exchange.
The meeting is part of a two-day visit His Highness is undertaking to Athens.
