Manama has been officially declared to represent the Asian Capital of Tourism 2014, in a press conference held today at the Bahrain Fort Museum, organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of Minister of Culture Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammad Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of the Asian Cooperation Forum (ACF), Bundit Limschoon, a number of diplomats, Ambassadors, representatives of Asian countries and a group of intellectuals and media figures.Strategies of cultural exchange and consolidation of relations between the Asian countries were announced to enhance tourism at the Asian and global levels.Culture Minister highlighted the diversity of tourist locations in the Arabian Gulf and pointed out to the history and civilization of Bahrain that stretches back to 5000 years and its relations with the Arabian Peninsula and world countries, commended the cooperation between the Culture Ministry and Foreign Ministry, appreciating the Foreign Minister's long support for culture and tourism programmes.Foreign Minister underscored Bahrain's historical tourist relations with other Asian countries that have been further developed in line with HM the King's vision, hailing Culture Ministry's accomplishments at the local and Asian level.ACF Sec-Gen lauded Culture and Foreign Ministers' tourist efforts at local and continental levels, stressing Bahrain represents a tourist destination that combines history, civilization, culture and warm hospitality.At the end of the event Culture Minister, Foreign Minister and ACF Sec-Gen exchanged commemorative presents.