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H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al- Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, received, on 27 November 2018, President of the international Austrian Association for the Furtherance of Peace led by Her Imperial Highness Archduchess Herta Margarete and her husband, Vice President Archduke Sandor von and Dr. Michael Macek of Museum of Applied Arts of Vienna. Her Imperial Highness Archduchess Herta Margarete presented H.E Shaikha Mai with an invitation to attend the imperial celebration at the historic Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna.

During the meeting, H.E Shaikha Mai HRH hailed the visit of Archduchess Herta Margarete and Archduke Sandor von Habsburg to Bahrain, which reflects the deep-rooted relations between the two friendly countries and BACA’s strategy to open a window on the world, discussing, thus, ways and means of enhancing mutual cooperation. H.E briefed her guests on the current cultural events and activities being planned by BACA, noting that the Kingdom of Bahrain will celebrate, on 28 November 2018, the closing ceremony of a year-long amazing cultural events and activities as part of Muharraq Capital of Islamic Culture 2018 program, High Patronage of under the High Patronage His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, May God Protect Him. This event will coincide also with the inauguration ceremony of Pearling Path Visitor Center, a UNESCO World Heritage List site, ringing of peace and love will ring, as part of the a joint-event by UNDP and the charity “Torch of Love and Peace”, Bahrain National Theater world’s special music concert, “Dreams of a Traveler – A Tale from Muharraq”, and lastly the Extraordinary Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers, which will kick off on 29 November 2018, in Manama.

During the meeting, both parties stressed the importance of investing in culture as a perfect tool and efficient way to develop societies through sustainable development mechanisms leading to world peace. The delegation presented H.E Shaikha Mai with a magnificent Austrian art work painting, reflecting the role of all forms of arts to enhance the cultural dialogue, given its character as a universal language spoken and understood most of the world's population.

Archduchess Herta Margarete and the delegation lauded the cultural achievements made in Bahrain, arguing that the Kingdom is rich with historical cultural heritage. Archduchess Herta Margarete added that they will do their best to further foster cultural cooperation between Austria and Bahrain.

Worth to mention that, in March 2016, a Flame of Peace Award Memorial was unveiled at the external courtyard of the Bahrain National Theatre. His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa was presented with the "Flame of Peace" Award by the Association for the Furtherance of Peace President Her Imperial Highness Archduchess Herta Margarete. The memorial stands now at the National Museum’s hall for visitors to see.