The UAE Ministry of Culture has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Republic of the Philippines to enhance bilateral ties, cooperation, and mutual understanding between the two countries through culture.

The MoU aims to enrich cultural dialogue and preserve the national identity, enhance mutual cooperation, and foster a deeper understanding of the culture of both countries. It underscores the importance of cultural dialogue in preserving national identity and enhancing bilateral relations across diverse fields.

The MoU outlines the provisions for exchanging cultural information and addressing shared interests, including cultural studies, language, literature, arts and heritage in both countries. It also promotes cooperation between archival institutions, such as online and in-person training, exhibitions, sharing best practices in records and archives management, and electronic records management. It will also explore potential collaboration in studying and appreciating Jawi manuscripts written in Arabic script in the Spanish Records Collection at the National Archives of the Philippines.

His Excellency Shaikh Salem bin Khaled Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, said: “The UAE shares strong ties with the Republic of the Philippines, built on decades of mutual understanding. Our countries are working together to strengthen our mutual ties reflecting our shared commitment to promoting human values and celebrating cultural diversity.”

His Excellency added: “This MoU strengthens cultural cooperation between the UAE and the Philippines on various levels. Embracing this diversity enhances bilateral relations and fosters positive interaction and mutual understanding, focusing on key areas such as arts, education, human values, and future visions for joint cultural work. We welcome this MoU to enrich the cultural landscape and promote further collaboration between the two countries and its people.”

The MOU covers the translation of books in Tagalog, English, Arabic, and other native languages. It also focuses on participating in exhibitions and cultural, linguistic, literary, and artistic activities, fostering cooperation in archaeology and heritage sites, and boosting cultural heritage in each other’s languages. Additionally, it promotes intercultural events and exchanges through performance groups, cinema, theatre, music, poetry readings, and folklore.

The MoU will work to enhance cooperation in the protection, recovery and repatriation of cultural property, including cinematic heritage. It also emphasises collaboration in supporting the cultural, linguistic, visual, auditory and creative industries, as well as exploring other areas of cooperation related to culture and arts as agreed upon by the participants. The MoU underscores the importance of respecting each other’s laws, regulations, and culture and avoiding the publication of any materials or activities that conflict with the values and culture of other societies. Furthermore, the MoU calls for taking the necessary measures to protect intellectual property rights in line with the national legislation and relevant international agreements binding on both countries.