Mauritanian Minister of Culture Praises Sharjah Ruler’s Cultural Efforts

Mauritanian Minister of Culture Praises Sharjah Ruler’s Cultural Efforts

Ould Amadou: Sharjah Hosts the Most Significant Cultural Institutions in the Arab World

Al Owais: Cooperation is a Distinguished Mark in the Arab Cultural Scene

His Excellency Al-Hussein Ould Amadou, Mauritania's Minister of Culture, Communication, Arts, and Parliamentary Relations, received a delegation from the Sharjah Department of Culture, led by His Excellency Abdalla bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department, and Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs. The meeting marked the launch of the 10th edition of the Nouakchott Festival of Arabic Poetry, which spans three days and features a wide participation of renowned poets. 

His Excellency Ould Amadou praised the cultural efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in preserving and promoting the Arabic language. He emphasized that the collaboration between the Sharjah Department of Culture and Mauritania has resulted in numerous cultural events and has strengthened bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Mauritania in various fields.

The Mauritanian Minister of Culture stated: "I had the honor of meeting His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, during my visit to Sharjah for the last edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair. It was an opportunity to appreciate and renew cultural cooperation in multiple fields, particularly in the preservation of manuscripts.”  

He pointed out that there is a strong alignment between Sharjah and Mauritania in the field of manuscript preservation. Over the past year, the Mauritanian government has launched numerous projects focused on this rich historical heritage. He further revealed that efforts to research and excavate manuscripts at the site of the Almoravid dynasty's birthplace have resumed after being halted for nearly half a century.

Ould Amadou highlighted that the current Mauritanian government has ambitious plans for cultural development. He also mentioned that Nouakchott is currently preparing to host its first-ever International Book Fair this year.

The Minister reiterated his warm welcome to the Sharjah Department of Culture delegation, affirming that Sharjah is home to the largest cultural institutions supporting Arab cultural activities. "We must recognize and appreciate this significant effort," he said, commending the achievement of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, which is now available to all and serves as a major contribution to Arab cultural heritage.

Regarding the festival, Ould Amadou stated that it represents a crucial step in promoting and enhancing literary and poetic appreciation, as part of Sharjah’s commendable efforts in serving Arab culture.

For his part, Abdalla bin Mohammed Al Owais expressed his pleasure at the continuation of cultural collaboration between the Department of Culture and the Ministry. This partnership began in 2012 with the launch of the Sharjah Forum for Young Poets, which honored 20 young Mauritanian poets in Nouakchott. The cooperation continued with the establishment of the House of Poetry in Nouakchott in 2015 and the organization of the Sharjah Cultural Honor Forum, which recognized 12 Mauritanian writers, intellectuals, and literary figures over three editions. Additionally, the Mauritanian Literature Festival was held in celebration of Nouakchott being named the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2024. He emphasized that this partnership represents a distinguished milestone in the Arab cultural scene.

Al Owais added, "Today, we are witnessing the 10th edition of the Nouakchott Festival of Arabic Poetry," and conveyed the greetings of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, to the Minister, wishing him continued success.

The meeting was attended by Walid Al-Nass Ould Hannoun, Director of Culture at the Ministry, and Dr. Abdullah Al-Sayed, Director of the House of Poetry in Nouakchott.