Doha named 2021 Islamic culture capital

The sixth Islamic Conference of the Culture Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), meeting the Azerbaijani capital Baku, yesterday approved Doha as “Capital of Islamic Culture for 2021”.

In a statement to Qatar News Agency, HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari welcomed the decision, stressing that Qatar would utilize all its material and human resources to make this event a success, based on the strong infrastructure available in the state, such as the Cultural District, the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), theaters and other national important cultural structures.

Baku is the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2009.

Noting that Doha had been chosen as the capital of Arab culture for 2010, the minister hoped that Arab and Islamic states would effectively participate in the celebrations in Doha next year.

A week dedicated to the Azerbaijani culture would be held in Doha next year, al-Kuwari, said.

“The week of the Qatari culture was successfully carried out here (in Baku) last year, and we agreed to hold the Azerbaijani week in 2010,” al-Kuwari, head of the Qatari delegation to the OIC conference of culture ministers.

The week of the Azerbaijani culture would be held as part of events held to mark Doha as the Capital of Arab Culture in 2010, said al-Kuwari.

“We want to share experiences between countries in the field of arts and culture. Azerbaijan has great experience in carrying out activities related to art and cinema,” said al-Kuwari.

In addition to the development of cultural co-operation between the two countries, Azerbaijan and Qatar are continuing discussions on energy co-operation.

Source: Gulf Times.
Link: http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=320249&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16.