Deputy Culture Minister Meets South African Ambassador to Boost Cooperation

On Thursday, 24 October 2024, Professor Fadhil Mohammed Al-Badrani, Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, hosted South African Ambassador Tsilani Mokwena at the Ministry’s headquarters to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation between Iraq and South Africa.

The meeting focused on strengthening ties through a shared commitment to cultural, tourism, and heritage development. Professor Al-Badrani expressed Iraq’s enthusiasm for deepening international partnerships, particularly in light of the nation’s improving security landscape, which paves the way for robust diplomatic and cultural relations. He highlighted Iraq’s interest in collaborating with South Africa across various cultural sectors, including antiquities, fine arts, music, theatre, and intangible heritage, as well as in the mutual exchange of expertise between specialists from both countries.

The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Dr. Alaa Abu Al-Hassan Ismail, Director General of the Cultural Relations Department; Moayed Haitham Rassan, Director General of the Inspection Department at the Tourism Authority; and Dr. Qasim Mohsen, Director General of the Fine Arts Department. These representatives highlighted strategic opportunities for collaboration, underscoring key cultural, tourism, and artistic sectors that hold potential for mutual benefit.

As a gesture of goodwill, Professor Al-Badrani presented Ambassador Mokwena with a piece of artwork portraying one of Baghdad’s historic alleyways. Additionally, he gifted her a special booklet detailing tourist sites across Iraq, complete with maps and descriptions. The meeting concluded with a tour led by the Deputy Minister and attended by the Ministry’s general directors, during which Ambassador Mokwena visited the National Museum of Modern Art. She expressed admiration for the museum’s collection and the richness of Iraq’s cultural heritage on display.

Ambassador Mokwena affirmed her dedication to advancing cooperation with Iraq, noting her intention to establish a formal framework through a memorandum of understanding. This initiative aims to strengthen joint efforts and facilitate the exchange of expertise with Iraqi counterparts. It marks a positive step towards deeper Iraq-South Africa relations, with both countries committed to fostering cultural understanding and exchange.

Source: Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities