Hungarian minister opens book exhibition, showcases heritage
Held at National Library of Kuwait
KUWAIT: An exhibition of Hungarian books, photos and films opened at the National Library of Kuwait (NLK) yesterday. The exhibition, attended by NLK’s Director General Kamel Al-Abduljalil and the Hungarian Foreign Ministry’s Minister of State for Cultural and Science Diplomacy Istvan Ijgyarto, promotes Hungarian culture, heritage and tourism.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Hungarian minister lauded Kuwait-Hungary relations, which have been deep-rooted since the 1960s. “Let me extend our gratitude towards the National Library of Kuwait for hosting this event and giving us the opportunity to showcase the richness of Hungarian literature and heritage through the books the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade donated to the library,” he said.
The minister said the initiative is part of a wider Hungarian cultural and diplomatic effort to present the richness of its cultural heritage through literature, music and arts. “Kuwait has a special place in our connection to the Arab world, as Kuwait was the first country in the region to establish diplomatic relations with Hungary. Our relationship has been built on mutual respect and understanding ever since,” Ijgyarto said. The two countries signed a bilateral cultural agreement in 1966 and have had regular cultural exchanges since then, including visits by artists from both sides. “My visit includes identifying areas in which we can improve our cooperation,” he added.
In a press briefing at JW Marriott Hotel in Kuwait City, Hungarian Ambassador to Kuwait Mihaly Bayer said the schedule of the minister is very busy. “We are very pleased with the warm welcome accorded to us by various ministries in Kuwait. We met several ranking government officials including a meeting with the deputy minister of foreign affairs, followed by the opening of the exhibition at the National Library, then a visit to the ministry of information. Tonight we have a cultural program at Yarmouk Theater,” he said.