19 May 2015
Bahrain National Museum Receives Iraqi Parliamentary Delegation
In an effort to consolidate ties and relationships between the two countries of Bahrain and Iraq, Dr. Mounir Bouchenaqi, ARCWH Director, and many representatives of the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, received an Iraqi parliamentary delegation headed by parliament speaker Dr. Salim Al-Jabouri, on 19 May 2015 at Bahrain National Museum. The Iraqi Parliamentary delegation explored, along with the Bahraini culture officials, the unique experience in heritage and history preservation, the sophisticated Bahrain know-how in terms of museum conservation, techniques, and promoting tangible and intangible heritage. The delegation also viewed most of the future investments in culture projects planned by Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities.
Dr. Mounir Bouchenaqi pointed out the importance of such visits to discover and explore the cultural achievements with regard to preservation of the national heritage, ways and means of reviving the popular customs and traditions, which form the core identity of people. Dr. Bouchenaqi added that such heritage is a shared universal memory by all civilizations, adding that Iraq has a potential of ancient history and deeply-rooted traditions that should be kept alive, preserved and promoted. ARCWH Director praised the continuous cooperation between Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage in Bahrain and Iraqi archaeologists and heritage specialists to unite efforts and plans in heritage preservation. Dr. Bouchenaqi hailed the recent constructive workshops between both sides with regard to the fulfillment of the requirements to inscribe Al-Ahwar of Southern Iraq (Iraqi Marshlands) and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities on UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Iraqi speaker thanked all Bahraini culture and antiquities officials for their welcoming reception and the continued cooperation and contributions in developing and bolstering the bilateral ties especially in heritage and preservation and investments in culture projects. The Iraqi delegation hailed the cultural and intellectual achievements of Bahrain and the marvelous scientific conservation techniques adopted by Bahrain National Museum. They also praised the extraordinary work undertaken by the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, led by H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa, and its strenuous efforts to preserve and highlight the universal value of Arab region heritage, identity, and richness.
