10 June 2019
Cooperation Between Italy and Bahrain Discussed, H.E Shaikha Mai receives a delegation from Italian city of Matera
H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, welcomed a delegation from the Italian city of Matera on Monday 10 June, comprising officials and representatives of colleges and universities, in the presence of Italian Ambassador in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Domenico Pilato and the President of the Bahrain International Federation of Business & Professional Women, H.E Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa.
The meeting shed light on the ongoing efforts of the Authority in strengthening the cultural relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Italian Republic. The delegation presented H.E Shaikha Mai with an official invitation to attend the concluding functions of choosing Matera "Capital of the European Culture 2019" in December.
H.E Shaikha Mai bin Mohammed Al Khalifa expressed her deep appreciation and gratitude for this honourable invitation and gesture, hailing the exceptional presence and participation of Italy in Bahrain’s cultural events and activities. President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities stressed her keenness to build bridges of communication between the Kingdom of Bahrain and friendly countries such as Italy, praising the constructive cooperation between the two sides during the 14th edition of Spirng of Culture 2019, as well as hosting the Italian Design Week by Bahrain National Theater.
H.E Shaikha Mai also lauded the cultural history of the Italian republic and its arts that have shaped the world artistic movements throughout history, recollecting that Bahrain has invested in arts as a channel of discourse and communication with Italy, such as the beautiful exhibition “ Modern Arts From The Kingdom of Bahrain”, hosted by Albertina Arts Academy, Torino, Italy. BACA’s President also hailed the successful achievements made the Kingdom of Bahrain, wining many international awards and praise held in Italy, such as the Golden Lion for the best National Participation to the Kingdom of Bahrain, held at the 12th International Architecture Exhibition (La Biennale di Venezia) with Reclaim , and Silver prize of the Expo Milano 2015 Pavilion Architecture Award, “Archaeologies of Green” at a world class event, Milano Expo 2015.
The Italian delegation, for their part, expressed their happiness to visit Bahrain, voicing their strong desire to cooperate with Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, with regard to arts and culture, enhancing, thus, the relations between both countries. They were also briefed about the latest and most exciting cultural manifestations and events going on, as well their discovery of the deeply-rooted history of the Kingdom of Bahrain during Bahrain National Museum tour.
Worth to mention that Matera, located in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata has been awarded the title of the 2019 European Capital of Culture in Italy, under the slogan "Open Future". Indeed, the historical Italian city was registered on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1993 and entertains historical relations with all cultures, particularly the Arab cultures and civilizations.
