Amman, July 22 (Petra) — Jordan and Syria agreed Wednesday to renew
and develop mutual cultural agreements to keep pace with new
developments and modern cooperation areas and strengthen
“longstanding” ties between their peoples.

The two sides reached the agreement during a meeting that brought
together Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh and his Syrian
counterpart Mohammad Yassin Saleh at the Royal Cultural Center.

The Syrian minister and his accompanying delegation are currently
visiting Jordan to attend the opening ceremony of the 40th Jerash
Festival for Culture and Arts.

Talking at the meeting, Rawashdeh expressed Jordan’s happiness for
hosting the Syrian delegation in the festival’s inauguration,
describing the event as a “global” cultural activity that brings
together cultures from around the world.

He said Jordan-Syria relations are “deeply rooted,” adding that based
on His Majesty King Abdullah II’s directives, the Ministry of Culture
is working to enhance and develop bilateral cultural ties.

He added that Jordan and Syria will pursue various forms of cultural
cooperation.

In turn, Saleh highlighted the importance of his visit to Jordan,
noting the two countries share common stances on many cultural issues
and have cooperation areas, including participation in the Amman
International Book Fair and other cultural initiatives.

Saleh praised the role of the Jerash Festival in promoting culture
and raising awareness, saying cultural activity contributes to
supporting political, economic and social development.

Throughout the Syrian crisis, Saleh praised King Abdullah II’s
support for the rights and aspirations of the Syrian people,
referring to Jordan’s solidarity with Syria and its people and its
hosting of Syrians during that period.

“Jordan stood with the conscience of the Syrian people,” he said.
“When avenues for creativity were closed to Syrian talents, they
found a welcoming space in Jordan, which embraced Syrians from all
walks of life.”

Saleh said the two countries share deep social, cultural and
religious links, as well as common language, history, traditions and
customs.

He added that the Syrian government is working to revive cultural
projects as people in Syria are eager for the return of cultural
life, while expressing appreciation for Jordan’s cultural
initiatives.

Touring facilities at the Royal Cultural Center, the Syrian
delegation was briefed on its activities and programs ahead of their
visit to the National Library Department and the Parliamentary Life
Museum.

//Petra// NQ