Doha: Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library (QNL), H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari has lauded the impact of cultural diplomacy in bridging the gap between countries.

Dr. Al Kawari was talking on the sidelines of the visit of the Prime Minister of Armenia, H E Nikol Pashinyan, and the opening of the ‘Arabic Messages 
from Armenia’ exhibition at QNL. He expressed hope that the Armenian PM’s visit would further strengthen the relationship between the Arab world and Armenia. 

The Armenian Prime Minister arrived in Qatar on Monday on a two-day official visit.

“We are very proud of this great edifice (QNL), as all visitors to Qatar are keen to visit it. The visit of the Prime Minister of Armenia is not only a visit, but he has opened an exhibition which contains a lot of information about the civilization of Islam and Armenia. This indicates the reach of culture and heritage in its impact on relations between countries today. If these civilizations were not deeply rooted in history, they would not have an impact in our present time with the same strength,” Dr. Al Kawari told the media.

“The visit of the Armenian Prime Minister to the Qatar National Library is significant, and the role of culture is also vital in international relations, as cultural diplomacy has become parallel to traditional diplomacy. We are happy that our country contains many cultural institutions that showcase this country and the ancient Arab and Islamic culture,” he added.

The ‘Arabic Messages from Armenia’ exhibition will showcase the Arab-Armenian historical, political, cultural and economic relations over centuries. It presents reproductions of pages from Quranic manuscripts and other Arabic manuscripts, in addition to replicas of coins from different periods in the history of Islamic dynasties. The exhibition is open to the public until June 21 during the library’s opening hours.

In their original form, the items are kept in the Armenian Matenadaran — a museum and repository of manuscripts; and the History Museum of Armenia, which houses the actual coins. The artefacts present an exclusive treasure of utmost cultural and historical value for Armenian historians but also Arab countries and worldwide.  

“Today, I was impressed with the exhibition as it displayed a document indicating that an Armenian clergyman resorted to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and then to Caliph Omar Ibn Al Khattab and Caliph Ali Ibn Abi Talib and asked them to protect Armenians from the Persians. This indicates tolerance and Muslims’ keenness to coexist with other religions and respect cultures,” Al Kawari added.

https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/15/06/2022/al-kawari-hails-cultural-diplomacy-as-armenian-pm-opens-expo-at-qnl