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 H.E Shaikha Mai bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Culture, received yesterday the Italian Ambassador to Bahrain Alberto Vecchi. H.E Minister of Culture discussed with her guest, Ambassador Vecchi, the possibility of carrying out joint cultural, intellectual and tourism functions, as part of the Manama as Capital of Arab Tourism 2013, and enhancing joint cooperation between Italy and Bahrain with regard to excavation and archaeology.

H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa, Minister of Culture, said that Manama is keen to consolidate its cultural experience through openness to world ones, noting Italy's cultural experience is among the most important in the world. H.E called for the need to reinforce cultural exchange between the two countries through setting up projects which are based on rapprochement between civilisations and promote human values.

The Italian Ambassador affirmed the importance of building bridges of cultural interaction between the two countries, lauding Bahrain's experience in promoting its successive civilisations. The Italian ambassador added that the choice of Manama as Capital of Arab Tourism for the year 2013 is a strong indicator of the kingdom's distinguished cultural potentials, as well as the cultural development witnessed by the region. H.E said that he is looking forward to launching many projects and signing new cooperation agreements with the Ministry of Culture on the sidelines of the function of Manama as Capital of Arab Tourism.

It is to be noted that the Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism will grant Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa the "Paestum Archaeology Award" during its XVI Edition of to be held from November 14 to 17, 2013. The Award, established in 2005, is granted to those who contribute, through their commitment and intercultural dialogue, to the valorisation of cultural heritage and the promotion of archaeological tourism.