HE the Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library (QNL) Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari said that Qatar presented a model and lesson to the whole world in cultural exchange, and that the Qatari society – with its wise leadership – overcame the challenge in cultural interaction.
This came during a symposium in which HE Dr al-Kawari participated on the occasion of the launch of his book as part of the ongoing 32nd Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).
He said that the book highlights how Qatari society presented a lesson in cultural exchange, which is respect for cultural specificities, and not acquiesce to the imposition of cultural expressions that contradict Arab-Islamic values.
HE Dr al-Kawariadded that Qatar's message to the world is to realise that cultural interaction is based on dialogue, respect and acquaintance and not clash, hatred and differentiation.
He pointed out that the cultural events that accompanied the World Cup strengthened the identity of, and affirmed that, Arab-Islamic culture is part of the national identity, with Qataris presenting their culture, customs and traditions with great pride, giving the World Cup an exceptional character.
The World Cup also helped revitalise the creative industries, he said.
During the symposium, HE Dr al-Kawari also spoke about cultural diplomacy and its impact on achieving communication between nations, and that it achieves what cannot be achieved through politics.
He touched upon his book, published by Dar Al Watad in Qatar in conjunction with seven Arab publishing houses, and spoke about the thread that connects his books and how each book represents an intellectual biography of a stage of his life, and that he tends to document in his writings.
During the event, HE Dr al-Kawari said that the DIBF is distinguished by the number and quality of the participants and with its slogan 'With Reading We Rise'.