Fifth Arab Poetry Forum Opens in the Republic of Benin

Fifth Arab Poetry Forum Opens in the Republic of Benin

Cotonou –

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Republic of Benin hosted the fifth edition of the Arab Poetry Forum in the capital, Cotonou. Organised by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs at the Sharjah Department of Culture, in coordination with the Cultural Cooperation Association, the forum brought together ten poets, a distinguished group of academics and Arabic language enthusiasts, as well as a large gathering of university professors, poets, and lovers of Arabic literature.

The forum is part of Sharjah’s initiatives aimed at supporting the Arabic language, strengthening the presence of Arabic poetry across the African continent, fostering cultural exchange, and discovering and nurturing literary talent.

The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Ahmed Saif Al Mazrouei, representative of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Benin, along with a number of officials and academics, including His Excellency Member of Parliament Kolaouli Jomaa Agbon; Dr Abubakar Saleh, representative of the President of the Islamic Union in Benin; and Professor Dr Abdul Hamid Shito Thani Alaho, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Council for Arab-Islamic Education in Benin and President of the Charitable Organisation for Islamic Cooperation in Benin.

In their remarks, the speakers affirmed that, throughout its successive editions, the forum has contributed to revitalising the poetry movement in Benin and strengthening the presence of the Arabic language. They also expressed their appreciation for the support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for cultural initiatives dedicated to serving and promoting Arabic literature.