Amman: Jordan's Culture Minister Mustafa Rawashdeh praised Kuwait on Thursday as a leading supporter of Arab culture and a major contributor to its development. This commendation came during his remarks to KUNA, following the inauguration of the Kuwaiti pavilion at the 39th Jerash Cultural Festival in Amman. According to Kuwait News Agency, Rawashdeh expressed admiration for the Kuwaiti pavilion, which prominently displays the nation's rich heritage and civilization. He noted Kuwait's ongoing commitment to cultural activities and preserving traditional crafts. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, representing Kuwait's Minister of Information and Culture, emphasized Kuwait's dedication to participating in the Jerash Festival, highlighting its status as one of the oldest cultural and art festivals in the Arab region. Dr. Mohammad Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, noted that this year's pavilion centered on showcasing Kuwait's culture and heritage. The pavilion features cra ftsmen specializing in traditional crafts, including shipbuilding and bisht-weaving, and a diwaniya corner to introduce visitors to Kuwaiti hospitality and cuisine. Al-Jassar further explained that discussions took place between the Kuwaiti delegation and Jordanian Minister Rawashdeh to explore Kuwaiti-Jordanian cultural relations, resulting in an agreement between the Kuwait Cultural Library and Jordan's National Library to collaborate in organizing and digitizing library resources. Kuwaiti Ambassador to Jordan, Hamad Al-Marri, told KUNA that the Jerash Festival fosters cultural and artistic exchanges between Arab nations. Celebrating its role as the Capital of Arab Culture, Kuwait's participation in the festival is particularly significant this year. Al-Marri remarked that such festivals strengthen bonds among Arab countries through shared culture, customs, and traditions. The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts, inaugurated by Jordanian Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan, is an annual event in the ancient cit y of Jerash. Running until August 3, it is a major cultural occasion attracting artists and visitors from the Arab world and beyond, featuring diverse performances and traditional crafts under the theme "Jerash Festival: Authenticity and Continuity," with a strong focus on youth engagement.
