Amman: 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.
According to Jordan News Agency, 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.