Cultural activities should not be linked to political differences, HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali has stressed.
In remarks today the Minister stressed that culture should be available to all because it contributes to the rapprochement between people, and Qatar's approach in dealing with cultural and sports affairs is characterised by the spirit and morals of the people of Qatar, away from political differences with the countries which have imposed the siege on the country.
He pointed out that culture and sports are considered a means of bringing people together rather than keeping them apart, adding that Qatari culture is based on solid foundations that bear the moral of Arab and Islamic civilization.
In response to a question from Qatar News Agency (QNA) about the impact of the siege on Qatar with respect to international participation in the Doha International Book Fair, which will begin its 28th session on November 30, the Minister said that the world of culture and books is a global thing that does not depend on the reluctance of one country or another.
"We emphasise that our doors are open to everyone, including the siege countries, to participate in either the Doha International Book Fair or other cultural events.
"However, we no longer have a vacancies for participants," he said adding that registration for all the exhibition's pavilions has been closed.
"Many publishers are currently contacting us to participate in the exhibition, and we apologise to them that the participants have absorbed all the exhibition pavilions," he explained.
"We are thinking about cancelling some activities of the Ministry of Culture to allow participation for a number of other institutions," he said, adding that the Doha Book Fair will be full of activities and surprises this year, notably holding the 2nd Qatar Youth Forum, in addition to many cultural and intellectual events.
As for the upcoming cultural events, Minister Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali said that the ministry's strategy in cultural affairs has been finalised and the appropriate working team has been prepared to start a series of cultural events soon.
