HE Chair of National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in the Republic of the Philippines Victorino Mapa Manalo underlined that the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Manila unequivocally states the admirable effort to establish cultural relations with other countries, especially with the Philippines. In an interview with Qatar News Agency , His Excellency said the visit of HH the Amir would contribute to advancing cultural relations between the two countries and pave the way for enhancing cultural exchange programs and collaboration in cultural exchanges such as exhibitions, festivals, and art performances. Likewise, he added, the visit will encourage partnerships between academic and research institutions and organizations, fostering exchanges and cooperation in cultural historical heritage, and linguistic studies. He emphasized that this high-level communication between the two countries implies further cooperation opportunities in cultural exchanges such as exhibitions, fe stivals, and art exhibitions, in addition to fostering initiatives and undertaking cooperative efforts between the two countries in culture and art fields. HE Chair of NCCA in the Republic of the Philippines hailed the role played by Qatar and its commitment to building bridges and promoting mutual understanding between nations through its successful cultural diplomacy within an integrated approach in its foreign relations, adding that the State of Qatar has strategically prioritized cultural relations with Asian countries as part of its extensive cultural vision with the aim of fostering stronger diplomatic ties, enhancing soft power influence, and promoting cultural exchange. He highlighted that this approach recognizes the importance of cultural diplomacy in building bridges and fostering mutual understanding between nations, underlining that by engaging with Asian countries on cultural fronts, Qatar can deepen relationships, expand economic opportunities, and contribute to global harmony and cooperation . HE Manalo noted the State of Qatar's immense interest in the areas of library, museums, preservation of cultural historical heritage, traditional folklore, cultural festival, and art performances, affirming that this interest will expand learning to the Philippines and pave the way for the advancement and deepen mutual understanding and appreciation on cultural cooperation and strengthened diplomatic relations. NCCA is the de facto Ministry of Culture of the Philippines and serves as the lead agency for the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture, in addition to strengthening cultural communication with other nations, including the State of Qatar, His Excellency said, adding that NCCA believes in cultural programs as a reflection of the two countries determination to overcome prejudice, and seek partnerships for the common good. His Excellency stated that the two countries have previously signed a memorandum of understanding to continue the collaboration in the fields of co operation specifically in the exchange of culture and arts experts, art exhibitions, performing arts and literary festivals book fairs, conservation of monuments and world heritage sites. There are some shared efforts through which cultural cooperation between the two countries can be bolstered, including cultural Exchanges- various exchange and facilitating of the sharing of art, music, and literature, in addition to forging a strategic partnership to hold cultural events, exhibitions and educational programs, HE Manalo pointed out. He noted the educational initiatives such as language programs, academic partnerships, and cultural studies, along with the promotion of Islamic Culture, heritage, shared religious tradition, as well as international festivals that showcase cultures to provide a platform of cultural exchange. Additionally, HE Chair of NCCA in the Republic of the Philippines noted the cultural diplomacy, as well as cultural activities and initiatives to strengthen political, economic, and socia l ties between Qatar and Philippines. Commenting on the large Filipino community hosted by Qatar, His Excellency emphasized that the Filipino community could have a significant impact on cultural exchanges by extending its resources and networks. In conclusion, HE Manalo reaffirmed his country's pride in the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Manila, expressing his confidence in this visit that will allow the two countries to reiterate their ironclad commitments to cultural cooperation and continue the direct exchanges between institutions, organizations and cultural experts. Source: Qatar News Agency