Jordan, Thailand ink cultural cooperation agreement

Jordan and Thailand Wednesday signed an agreement to implement a programme of cultural and art cooperation and exchange for the years 2022-2026.

In the signing ceremony, which was held virtually via “Zoom,” Jordan’s Culture Minister Haifa Najjar lauded the “deep-rooted” ties and friendship between Jordan and Thailand that extend for over 55 years.

She said that Jordan is keen to further develop its cultural ties with Thailand, especially since the two countries share “many common values.”

In the ceremony, which saw the participation of Thailand’s Chargé d’Affairs in Amman, Chawadol Nipathannont, and Jordan’s non-resident ambassador to Thailand, Thamer Adwan, Najjar expressed that she looks forward to more cultural exposure between the peoples of both countries.

She noted that Jordan is open to diversity and holds a respect for other peoples’ cultures, especially that of Thailand, “which enjoys a deeply-rooted history.”

She said that Jordan has weathered many challenges and enjoys diversity, critical thinking and capabilities, pointing out that the Ministry is keen to partner up with its Thai peer and work on creative and visual arts.

Najjar also talked about the fallout and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted cultural activities and programmes, pointing out that the Ministry of Culture turned these challenges into opportunities by making use of technology, remote communication and proposing community activities for families.

She expressed her hope that the ministries of culture in both countries would develop a cultural exchange programme to encourage participation in conferences, seminars, training and the exchange of visits to enhance cultural exchange.

Najjar invited the Thai Ministry of Culture to participate in the upcoming 36th Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts and the festive activities of Irbid, the Arab capital of culture.

For his part, the Thai Minister of Culture, Itthiphol Kunplome, said he was happy at the signing programme agreement, saying it will contribute to strengthening cooperation between the two countries in various fields, especially culture.

Kunplome pointed out that the programme will contribute to developing ways of cooperation in the fields of visual arts, exhibitions, filmmaking, musical and lyrical arts, food and fashion arts, participation in various festivals and holding various cultural and artistic events.

He talked about the photo exhibition, which contained photographic panels that viewed the bilateral relations between the two countries over 55 years of diplomatic relations.

Ambassador Thamer Adwan said the signing of the agreement was part of the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, pointing out that the agreement represents a turning point in cultural relations.

In turn, Chargé d’Affairs of the Embassy of Thailand in Jordan, Chawadol Nipathannont, expressed his happiness on behalf of his country on the occasion of signing the agreement, adding that strengthening cooperation in cultural fields will contribute to expanding relations between the two countries to greater levels.

Source: Jordan News Agency

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