General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (right) with Ambassador of Kenya to Qatar H E Paddy C Ahenda and South African Ambassador to Qatar H E Faizel Moosa at Katara.
Doha: African envoys have highlighted the importance of cultural ties as a catalyst to boost understanding between the continent and Qatar.
The Ambassador of Kenya to Qatar H E Paddy C Ahenda, who is also President of the African Group of Ambassadors and the South African Ambassador to Qatar H E Faizel Moosa, during a visit to Katara discussed ways to strengthen cultural ties with the General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti.
“We are trying to organise a cultural exchange between the African countries and Katara, in preparation for the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup 2021 and the FIFA World Cup Qatar next year,” the Kenyan envoy said in a video on Katara Twitter.
“There will be cultural displays, including arts and dances from the African continent, spanning all corners that we will bring here. We want the general public of Qatar to see the rich culture that Africa has through the arts, dances, and all other artefacts that can be displayed in Qatar.”
Qatar’s relationship with Africa has grown significantly in recent years.
The Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has toured several African countries recently, promoting investment, bilateral trades, cultural exchanges, and mutual respect.
The Amir’s visits, Qatar’s hosting of several African Presidents, and opening of embassies and diplomatic representations have significantly elevated and transformed Qatar’s engagement with Africa.
“It is important to note that the cultural relations between Qatar and Africa go back hundreds of years,” the South African envoy said.
“I think for us as Africans to build on that, and for Qatar, we need to bring that relationship together so that we can reach each other. We are traditionally very close as Arabs and Africans, and I think the cultural platform is a good place to start for us to begin to understand each other as nations and to build a brighter future for the world.”
Ghana Ambassador to Qatar H E Dr. Emmanuel Enos recently announced that Ghana is working towards a cultural and art exhibition later this year in partnership with Katara.
