H.H. Latifa bint Mohammed, Czech President discuss ways to enhance cultural cooperation

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of Dubai Council, discussed ways to enhance cultural cooperation with Czech President Miloš Zeman during an official visit to Prague.

Sheikha Latifa, who heads the UAE delegation at the International Council of Museums General Conference 2022, underscored the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries and emphasised the role of cultural exchange in enhancing the industry.

"My visit to the Czech Republic and my meeting with His Excellency President Miloš Zeman of the Czech Republic falls in line with our leadership’s efforts to build an open dialogue and constructive communication with all countries, thus enhancing the position of Dubai and the UAE as a preferred destination characterised by tolerance and diversity, and strengthening our position as a global hub for arts and culture," Her Highness said.

"During my meetings with Czech officials, I was briefed on the exemplary achievements of the country’s cultural sector and various cultural institutions."

The meeting also explored areas of joint cooperation and opportunities to exchange cultural, design and artistic expertise. 

Her Highness said that the UAE is a multicultural and cosmopolitan nation that is constantly keen on deepening its relations with different countries and building strong partnerships across all fields, including the cultural and creative sector.

Sheikha Latifa added that ICOM General Conference 2022 serves as an ideal platform to introduce Emirati culture to the world.

During my visit to Prague, I was honoured to meet Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic, and expressed my immense gratitude for the exceptional hospitality we witnessed. pic.twitter.com/hdgEmNAfX9

— Latifa MR Al Maktoum (@LatifaMRM) August 22, 2022

Her Highness was accompanied by Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation and took part in several meetings with officials from the Czech Republic as well as members and leaders from ICOM.

Al Hashimy added that the meeting falls within the framework of strengthening international cooperation in related fields. "The UAE constantly looks for opportunities to develop partnerships with the international community. Having delivered an inclusive World Exposition in Dubai a few months ago, we look forward to continuing our trajectory of collaboration with partners from all around the world to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

"The engagements held by the UAE delegation, led by HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, further highlight this spirit of collaboration and partnership especially as we prepare to host ICOM in Dubai in 2025.”

The first official day also included meetings with the Ministry of Culture, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Mayer of Prague, and local government officials.

Jiri Slavic, the Czech Republic’s Ambassador to the UAE, said Sheikha Latifa's "visit represents another key milestone to the strong relations between both countries, and we look forward to many more opportunities of collaboration".

ICOM is a leading global organisation of museum professionals and institutions committed to promoting and protecting cultural heritage, discussing issues related to the future of the field, and advancing ethical practices in museums.

Held under the theme ‘The Power of Museums’, ICOM 2022 is being organised in Prague from August 20 to 28.

The ICOM General Conference is held once every three years. The upcoming 27th edition of the conference is scheduled to be held in Dubai, making it the first city in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region to host the prestigious global conference.