The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, today (October 25) attended the fourth cultural ministers' meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Chengdu, Sichuan. Mr Lau participated in the meeting as a representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and as a member of the Chinese delegation led by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Luo Shugang. The theme of the forum is cultural exchange and collaboration of China and Arab states under the international co-operation framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Lau said, "Hong Kong strives to expand co-operation and strengthen arts and cultural exchange with regions along the Belt and Road, in order to forge people-to-people bonds. Hong Kong has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Co-operation with Egypt. We look forward to establishing closer ties on cultural collaboration with more Arab states."
He said Hong Kong has various kinds of cultural exchanges and co-operation with countries around the world, and the cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and the Arab states have been remarkable. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have supported and participated in the yearly Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances, co-organised by the Hong Kong Government and consulates. Reciprocal visits have been arranged for officials responsible for cultural affairs from Hong Kong and the Arab states to conduct exchanges on museum services and library work.
During the meeting, Mr Lau introduced the latest developments of the West Kowloon Cultural District, including the commissioning of the Xiqu Centre at the end of this year. The Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ will be completed in the coming years. He said these two large-scale museums would integrate ancient and contemporary arts as well as Eastern and Western culture at the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Today, Mr Lau visited cultural facilities in Chengdu to keep abreast of the city's latest cultural developments. At night, he will attend the closing ceremony of the fourth Arabic Arts Festival. Mr Lau will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (October 26).
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