Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, today received, at his palace, the participants of the meetings of the Permanent Office of the Arab Writers Union, headed by Habib Al Sayegh, Secretary-General of the Arab Writers Union and Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union.

The visit came on the sidelines of the meeting of union’s Permanent Office in Al Ain, which was attended by delegations from 16 Arab countries.

Sheikh Nahyan welcomed the visiting delegation in their second country, the UAE, while highlighting the important role of the cultured, writers and poets in spreading the culture of tolerance, acceptance of others and communication between various people. "Judging people is not based on wealth, but on culture, and the ability to communicate with other cultures. We, in the UAE, have a profound respect for culture, as it is a historic treasure for the whole of humanity," he added.

"We value your work and appreciate your efforts, and we bless the establishment of a literature award for poets, writers, novelists, creatives, artists and critics, who stand against terrorism and extremism," he further added, while confirming his support for the planned Al Ain document.

He then spoke with Al Sayegh and the other union members regarding the importance of culture in combatting and eliminating terrorism and its supporters, and the role of the cultured, writers and poets in countering and destroying corrupt ideologies.

Sheikh Nahyan stressed that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has prioritised and sponsored culture as an integral part of its national and Arab identity, while highlighting the necessity of connecting current and future generations to their cultural heritage and traditional values and customs that were passed on from their grandfathers to their fathers, as well as to the tolerant values and principles of Islam that respect other religions, interact with other cultures and people, and encourage communication with other civilisations and cultures from around world.

He then pointed out that the UAE has always encouraged cultural diversity, openness to other cultures and extending the bridges of communication, love and peace with other people from around the world, while highlighting the importance of promoting the UAE’s rich culture to other communities, to strengthen dialogue, understanding and tolerance between all religions and cultures.

He explained that terrorism is a disease of the modern age and many such groups have tried to hijack the Islamic religion and its tolerant Sharia, which is based on noble traditions and respect for humanity, regardless of religion and origin, brought together by tolerant human values.

Al Sayegh expressed utmost appreciation to Sheikh Nahyan for the reception while highlighting the importance of their discussions, where harmony and understanding prevailed. He also noted the UAE Award for the best works of literature, arts and cinema in poetry, novels and literary studies that stand against terrorism and extremism, which is sponsored by the UAE and organisation by the Arab Writers Union.

Source: Wam