Media Center

H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA), received on 8 October 2018, the Japanese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, H.E Mr. Hideki Ito and discussed bilateral relations and cooperation mainly in the cultural field and ways to enhance these historic relations.

H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, the President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA), stressed, during the meeting, her keenness to build bridges of communication between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Japan. H.E President of Bahrain’s Culture Authority also expressed her optimism that the Bahraini-Japanese cultural cooperation would pave the way for the development and establishment of the permanent headquarters of the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage in Sar, Bahrain, which was designed by the Japanese architect Tdao Ando.

H.E briefed the Japanese Ambassador about the latest cultural events orchestrated by BACA, its agenda to celebrate Muharraq as the Capital of Islamic Culture 2018 and the inauguration ceremony of Pearling Path Visitor Center, a UNESCO World Heritage List site, scheduled during the Extraordinary Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers in Manama, on 28-29 November 2018. H.E Ambassador Hideki Ito was also brifed about BACA’s 2019 programme, themed as “ Year of Celebrations”, shedding lights on Bahrain’s historical achievements.

H.E Ambassador Hideki Ito, for his part, thanked H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa for her warm welcome, stressing the role of culture in promoting increased understanding between Japan and Bahrain, renowned for its unique openness and diversity. The ambassador lauded the cultural activities staged by the BACA, commending the friendship relations between the two countries and confirming that Japan will continue to be present at the Bahraini culture scene. Indeed, the Japanese embassy will organize a traditional Japanese music concert during BACA’s National Day celebrations next December.