UAE and Philippines Strengthen Cultural Cooperation through MoU
The UAE Ministry of Culture has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Republic of the Philippines. The agreement aims to bolster bilateral ties, promote cultural exchange, and deepen mutual understanding between the two nations.
The MoU emphasizes the importance of cultural dialogue in preserving national identities while enhancing cooperation in various fields, including arts, heritage, literature, and language.
Key Provisions of the MoU
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Cultural Information Exchange
- Collaboration on cultural studies, literature, and arts.
- Exchange of best practices in records and archives management, including electronic archives.
- Training programs and exhibitions, both online and in-person.
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Heritage Preservation
- Joint studies on Jawi manuscripts in the Spanish Records Collection at the National Archives of the Philippines.
- Cooperation in protecting, recovering, and repatriating cultural property, including cinematic heritage.
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Intercultural Events
- Participation in exhibitions, theatre, music, poetry readings, and folklore performances.
- Translation of books in Tagalog, Arabic, English, and other native languages.
- Promotion of linguistic, archaeological, and artistic activities.
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Creative Industries and Intellectual Property
- Support for cultural, visual, auditory, and creative industries.
- Measures to protect intellectual property rights, respecting national and international legislation.
Leaders Speak
H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khaled Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations:
"The UAE and the Philippines share decades of mutual understanding, and this MoU reinforces our shared commitment to promoting human values and celebrating cultural diversity. This partnership fosters positive interaction and mutual understanding across arts, education, and cultural heritage."
The agreement also aligns with the UAE’s vision to enhance international cultural collaboration and embrace diversity.
Significance of the MoU
The partnership underscores the nations’ dedication to fostering cultural cooperation while adhering to mutual respect for laws and societal values. By promoting diverse cultural programs, exhibitions, and heritage preservation initiatives, the MoU aims to create a vibrant cultural exchange benefiting both countries and their citizens.
