A prominent cultural event in Damascus
In a significant diplomatic and cultural move, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Saudi Minister of Culture, met with his Syrian counterpart in Damascus, the capital, in a meeting aimed at strengthening cultural cooperation between the two brotherly countries. This meeting took place during an official visit by the Saudi Minister of Culture to attend the Damascus International Book Fair, where the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the guest of honor, marking a new phase in the renewed bilateral relations.
Historical context and the return of warmth to relations
This cultural rapprochement follows significant political developments in the region, most notably Syria's return to its seat in the Arab League in May 2023, a move in which the Kingdom played a pivotal role. After years of diplomatic estrangement, Saudi-Syrian relations have begun to witness a marked improvement, with the diplomatic resumption paving the way for broader cooperation in various fields, particularly in the cultural sector, which represents a strong bridge between the two peoples.
Saudi Arabia and Syria have long been bound by deep historical and cultural ties, based on a shared heritage of language, religion, and history. Throughout the ages, cultural, artistic, and literary exchange has been a hallmark of their relationship, making current cooperation a natural continuation of a rich historical legacy.
The importance of the meeting and areas of future cooperation
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the deep cultural ties between their countries and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields. These fields include heritage and antiquities, visual arts, theater and cinema, music, publishing, and translation. They also stressed the importance of unifying positions in international cultural forums to serve common interests and strengthen the Arab cultural presence.
The Kingdom's participation as guest of honor at the Damascus International Book Fair sends a powerful message of Saudi Arabia's support for the revival of cultural life in Syria, as the fair is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural events in the Arab world. This presence also presents an opportunity to introduce the Syrian public to the cultural renaissance underway in the Kingdom under Vision 2030 , and to open direct channels of communication between intellectuals and creative minds from both countries.
Expected impact at the regional and local levels
Domestically, this collaboration is expected to revitalize the Syrian cultural scene, which has been severely impacted in recent years, by supporting Syrian cultural institutions, artists, and creators. For Saudi Arabia, this move aligns with its strategy to expand its cultural influence regionally and internationally, and to build partnerships that solidify its position as a leading cultural hub in the region.
Regionally, this rapprochement represents a model for strengthening joint Arab action and encourages the full reintegration of Syria into its Arab environment. Cultural diplomacy plays a vital role in building trust and overcoming political differences, paving the way for more lasting regional stability. This cooperation demonstrates that culture can be a driving force for rebuilding bridges between nations and peoples.
