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21 June 2017 H.E Receives Director-General of GCC Economic and Development Affairs Authority, Common projects discussed
H.E Receives Director-General of GCC Economic and Development Affairs Authority, Common projects discussed

H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA) received on Wednesday, 21 June 2017, Mr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Shaikh, the Director-General of GCC Economic and Development Affairs Authority. The meeting discussed ways and means of boosting GCC relations in order to enhance multiple GCC cultural achievements amid preparations and plans for Expo 2020 Dubai.

H.E BACA President highlighted the GCC Secretariat’s role in strengthening the joint Gulf cultural and social ties, adding that the Economic and Development Affairs Authority would boost coherence, integration and coordination between member states in cultural, economic and development sectors.

With regard to GCC Secretariat Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020, H.E asserted that it would promote the genuine Gulf countries’ Arab culture, showing the world common values such as openness and co-existence which characterize these countries. Indeed, the charter of GCC union stipulates that its basic objectives are to have coordination, integration and inter-connection between Member States in all fields, strengthening ties between their peoples, H.E added. Speaking about Bahrain pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020, H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities stressed the importance of such qualitative participation, given its crucial role in presenting the different commercial, cultural and economic opportunities made available at this world rendez-vous. H.E lauded the efforts made by the Dubai Expo 2020 work team’s preparations to host this major meeting in the GCC. H.E also praised the constructive role of GCC Council, especially the United Arab Emirates, in promoting Arab GCC culture, openness and values of respect for the others.

Mr Khalid Al-Shaikh, for his part, commended the BACA’s effort to upgrade the local cultural activities, praising the constructive work undertaken by Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, regionally and internationally, through the astonishing cultural events, exhibitions and series of lectures to make Bahrain a world cultural lighthouse and unique destination. The delegation expressed confidence that BACA would do its utmost to ensure the success of Bahrain's participation Dubai World Expo 2020, noting that Bahrain's pavilion will add value to other GCC pavilions.