The National Library and Archives discusses enhancing cooperation with Syrian cultural institutions

H.E. Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives (NLA), and H.E. Ambassador Dr. Ghassan Abbas, Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Arab Emirates, discussed enhancing cooperation and coordination in the cultural fields, archiving and documentation, methods of collecting and preserving the memory of the nation for generations, especially intangible cultural heritage. Topics discussed during the NLA’s reception of H.E. Dr. Ghassan Abbas and his companions at its headquarters included organizing joint events by the two brotherly countries, and cultural achievement integration, especially meaningful and significant translation.

H.E. the Director General highlighted the role of the National Library and Archives in preserving resources and references, and the importance of preserving valuable cultural treasures and making them accessible to researchers, academics, students and others in light of the digital transformation. He pointed out that knowledge in all its forms contributes to balancing the knowledge economy in order to meet the future and maintain the march of progress. His Excellency also emphasized the significance of the bilateral relations between the National Library and Archives and cultural and archival institutions in Syria. Moreover, he presented the NLA’s publications, which document the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region, to Al-Assad National Library in Damascus so that its researchers and those interested in the history of the UAE, its pioneering unification experience and its bright present take advantage of them.
Both sides stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage as a fundamental pillar of national cultural identity and the main supporter of knowledge economy policies and strategies. Thus, it must be preserved and sustained through documenting and preserving it for future generations.
His Excellency pointed out the importance of twinning and exchange of publications between the National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates and the institutions concerned with archives, heritage and culture in the Arab Republic of Syria. He underscored the cultural participation of pioneers of thought and knowledge and Syrian talents in the major events and activities, which the NLA plans to organize, emphasizing the importance of signing a memorandum of understanding that enhances cultural cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
The Syrian Ambassador praised the NLA’s role in preserving the memory of the nation and its provision of documented historical information about the United Arab Emirates in its qualitative publications which enrich the Arab library and preserve the history of the UAE and the Gulf region for posterity.