01 June 2014
H.E Minister of Culture to Honored by Order of Italian Star
Marking his country's National Day, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano has bestowed the Order of the Italian Star on H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, Minister of Culture, on 1st June 2014. Italian Ambassador Alberto Vecchi conferred the medal on the minister on behalf of President Napolitano in a ceremony held at Bahrain National Museum in recognition of her efforts to promote heritage and culture.
The Italian ambassador pointed out that the honour is in recognition of the Culture Minister's outstanding role in enriching the Arab and international cultural scene through various activities, in addition to her relentless work in raising awareness of the importance of Bahrain's cultural heritage.
H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa expressed her gratitude and appreciation for this prestigious honour, describing it as a tribute to Bahrain which has become a cultural and touristic destination, thanking the Italian President for the honour. H.E Shaikha Al Khalifa also discussed with her guest Bahrain's participation at the Expo Milano 2015, and expressed delight that the Ministry of Culture to represent the Kingdom of Bahrain in this international forum. The Italian Ambassador welcomed choosing Manama, Capital of Asian Tourism 2014, and praised Bahrain ancient civilization and cultural and tourism experience and his country's participation the Ministry of Culture's visions and programs for 2014.
The honor involves one of the highest recognitions conferred by Italy on Italians or foreign individuals who have contributed to "collaborative relationships or friendship between Italy and the countries in which they operate," according to the presidential website. Indeed, the Star of Italy is pursuant to the Italian Foreign Minister's recommendation, which avails of signals coming from diplomatic-consular representatives overseas. This distinction, which qualifies as a second civilian honor of the State, represents a particular honour on behalf of all those who, Italians abroad or foreign, have acquired special merits in the promotion of friendly relations and cooperation between Italy and other countries and the promotion of ties with Italy.
Worth to mention that Italy and Bahrain have developed strong cultural relations, after The Kingdom of Bahrain has been awarded a Golden Lion at the 2011 Venice Biennale for Best National Participation. In addition, Italy has its role in the Bahraini cultural scene through the different events organized by the National Theatre, such as The two-day performance by famed Italian opera and tale of love and sacrifice by Giuseppe Verdi, Rigoletto, directed by Maria Cristina Mazzavillani Muti of Italy’s Ravenna Festival. The Minister of Culture is planning to participate in the "Expo Milano 2015" to showcase its long-standing agricultural heritage which dates back to Tylos and Dilmun prehistoric eras.
