ABU DHABI — The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan plays an active role in cementing cooperation among Arab countries and building bridges of brotherhood and love among Arabs to maintain Arab and Islamic identity and culture, said Syrian intellectual and Minister of Culture, Dr Riyadh Na Asn Agha.
“Shaikh Khalifa’s efforts to further bolster Arab solidarity have their roots in the approach of the late Shaikh Zayed who founded the UAE on the principles of multilateralism, justice and freedom, making at the same time efforts to protect the country’s heritage, traditions and national identity,” Agha added.
The Syrian minister made his remarks at a lecture on “Outlook on a new Arab Cultural Rhetoric” at the Heritage Club in Abu Dhabi as part of the second edition of the Annual Heritage Festival held by the Emirates Heritage Club.
“The new Arab cultural project requires our cultural, humane and rational rhetoric that is deeply rooted in the principles of the Arab and Muslim civilizations and the school of moderation,” commented Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of Emirates Heritage Club (EHC) who was among the audience.
“Arab intellectuals’ serious work and responsible solidarity are now desperately needed,” he added.
Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed said the peoples of the UAE and Syria are a significant part of the Arab nation and interaction among them will yield positive results in reviving the Arab cultural project.
He said the UAE would always be hosting all creative talents and effective intellectual resources to serve the said project and protect the Arab cultural identity.