BERLIN — Saudi Arabia's Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan has completed an official visit to Germany on Monday, aimed at reinforcing cultural relations and exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit, Prince Bader met with Claudia Roth, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media, and Andreas Goergen, Secretary General for the Federal Ministry of Culture and Media. They explored areas of cooperation and opportunities for cultural exchange.

Prince Bader said: "This visit is an extension of our longstanding cultural ties with Germany, with whom we have had many partnerships and cultural exchanges since 1973. For the past 20 years, one of the main areas of cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Germany has been the field of archeology. We look forward to further enhancing our cultural relations and to continue working closely toward creating opportunities for the exchange of knowledge, talent and expertise.”

As part of the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities for cultural cooperation, as well as strengthening the cultural relations through facilitating mutual visits by specialized delegations and implementing joint cultural projects. In addition, the meeting explored ways of exchanging knowledge and expertise in various cultural sectors.

The Saudi Ministry of Culture recognizes the value of international cultural partnerships in building bridges of understanding between nations and communities. In 2006, the governments of Saudi Arabia and Germany signed a cultural cooperation agreement which enabled the two countries to partner on many projects. — SPA