KUWAIT: Minister of Information Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah opens the Islamic Art Gallery. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Islamic civilization served as a link bringing people with different cultures close to each other, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Sabah said Monday evening. Sheikh Salman, also president of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), made the comments on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the Islamic Art Gallery of Wadhah Khaled Saud Al-Zaid. “The Islamic culture played a key role in promoting moderation and coexistence among all humanity,” he said.

The gallery, being organized by NCCAL as part of Kuwait national celebrations and the celebrations marking the selection of Kuwait City as capital of Islamic Culture for 2016, displays several Islamic relics and manuscripts dating from various eras. Sheikh Salman voiced joy for the attendance at the opening of the gallery by Kyrgyz Minister of Culture, Information and Tourism Altynbek Maksutov. “The Islamic culture which spread to all parts of the world linked the two friendly countries and made them share a lot of common values,” Sheikh Salman pointed out.

He spoke highly of the role NCCAL and Wadhah Al-Zaid’s efforts in conserving the Islamic antiquities and holding this gallery which coincides with the celebration marking Kuwait selection as Capital of Islamic Culture this year.

Maksutov said meanwhile that he is here to take part in the Kuwait-Kyrgyzstan cultural week which showcases a range of Kyrgyz artistic activities including folklore music and costumes. He noted that his visit to the gallery provided him with a chance to have an insight into the history of Kuwait and the contributions of Kuwaiti scholars, who authored invaluable books, to the Islamic cultures.

Meanwhile, Wadhah Al-Zaid said the exhibits at the gallery include a number of relics he and his father kept, as well as a range of rare manuscripts dating from the 17th century. He expressed gratitude to Sheikh Salman and the Kyrgyz minister for their attendance at the gallery and spoke highly of the NCCAL efforts in conserving the Islamic heritage. — KUNA