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Riyadh Exhibition on Afghan Culture Enhances Ties with Kabul | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Afghan deputy Foreign Minister Nasir Ahmad Andisha.


Riyadh – Afghanistan’s deputy Foreign Minister Nasir Ahmad Andisha inaugurated on Saturday the “Afghan Cultural Heritage Exhibition – The Silk Road” at Riyadh’s King Fahad Cultural Center in a celebration inspired by the Afghan art.

A huge crowd of history and culture lovers gathered at the center to learn about historic Afghan monuments and rare antiques that were on display in the one-day exhibition.

On this occasion, Andisha delivered a speech in which he stressed the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan and the joint interests of both countries.

He also highlighted the historic relations and rare mutual visits of Afghan and Saudi kings and presidents in the 1970s, recalling the cultural and humanitarian dimensions of his country, along with its role in shaping the history of Islam.

Andisha praised Saudi Arabia and its political, economic, historic and religious importance in both Arab and Islamic worlds, asserting that his country looks forward to cooperation with the Kingdom in all fields, especially in combating terrorism.

He also considered that this exhibition enhances communication between Afghan and Saudi people and reflects a deep cultural, historic and Islamic rapprochement.

Afghan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sayyed Jalal Karim stated that this is the first time that his country holds a cultural exhibition in Riyadh, saying all concerned parties provided the necessary assistance to ensure its success.

He recalled the visit of King Faisal to Afghanistan and the great impact it left on Saudi-Afghan ties.

Karim added that Saudi Arabia backed his country in recent times of upheaval and greatly contributed in reconstructing it and bolstering its political and security stability. He also said that Afghanistan has had a “noble history in preaching and spreading Islam”, noting its contribution in many fields, such as science, jurisprudence, medicine and astronomy.

The ambassador considered the exhibition as a message that Afghanistan is capable of overcoming challenges and combatting terrorism.

It will not spare efforts to achieve political stability and security, he stressed.

The exhibition, which was attended by Saudi clerics Aed al-Qarni and Salman al-Ouda and 56 officials from Afghanistan, featured gemstones, Afghan carpets, saffron, food products and handicrafts, in addition to a number of old Afghan books.