Doha: Under the presidency of the State of Qatar, the 28th meeting of Their Excellencies Undersecretaries of the Ministries of Culture of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries convened in Doha on Wednesday. The meeting comes in preparation for the 28th meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Culture of the GCC states taking place on Thursday, with the aim of solidifying joint cultural work. Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali chaired the meeting. In his opening speech, Dr. Al Ali stressed the importance of culture in human development and empowerment, adding that the GCC ministries of culture continue to take firm steps in support of joint cooperation in relation to Gulf cultural affairs. He underscored the need for collaborative work to overcome challenges and allow culture to flourish in GCC societies. Dr. Al Ali noted that dialogue and the exchange of ideas are fundamental to joint cultural work and said th at the collective commitment to implementing the Gulf Cultural Strategy (2020-2030) demonstrates member states' determination to ensure that culture plays a vital role in this new chapter of the Gulf region's life. The Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture noted the Gulf region's rich cultural life and saw it as a reflection of the joint and individual efforts of member states. Dr. Al Ali said that culture is based on ideas and concepts, which require an appropriate intellectual environment for them to spring up and flourish, exemplified by these GCC meetings, which should be emulated on the level of the GCC cultural scene. For his part, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC Secretariat General Khalid Ali Salim Al Sunaidi thanked the State of Qatar for its support and backing of joint Gulf efforts. Al Sunaidi added that culture is part and parcel of the national identities and the development of GCC states, which is all the more reas on for strengthening shared cultural values and enhancing cultural cooperation among member states. Source: Qatar News Agency