[01/09/2025 05:39]

ADEN - SABA
Deputy Minister of Information Hussein Basilim discussed with the Swiss Ambassador to Yemen Thomas Ortel on Monday ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the cultural and media fields, and support artistic and heritage projects in Yemen.

Baslim stressed the importance of strengthening the partnership with the Swiss Confederation and reviving and supporting arts and music.

He pointed out to the Ministry's efforts to protect heritage on Socotra Island by establishing a local radio station to preserve the language and popular culture.

He talked about the need for the Institute of Fine Arts to rehabilitate and equip it to resume the educational and artistic process, to contribute to creating an active cultural environment and the necessity of preserving the Yemeni cultural and heritage heritage.

For his part, the Swiss Ambassador stressed the importance of strengthening the Ministry's role in protecting Yemeni heritage, given that Yemen is one of the countries rich in historical and cultural landmarks worldwide.

He revealed two proposals to enhance cultural cooperation, through signing a tripartite agreement between the Ministry of Information, the Federal Office of Culture in Switzerland, and the Museum of Art in Geneva, and a bilateral agreement to criminalize the smuggling of antiquities, similar to agreements signed with other countries.

He made it clear that his country will discuss with the relevant artistic institutions the possibility of providing support to rehabilitate the Institute of Fine Arts and restore its role in the Yemeni cultural scene.

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