Tunisian President Kais Saied received this morning at the Presidential Palace in Carthage, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani and the accompanying Iraqi delegation, in the presence of Tunisian Minister of Culture Amina Al-Sarrafi. According to the Ministry's statement, President Saied praised the rich history of Mesopotamia, citing ancient Iraqi civilizations, Iraqi music and art schools, passing through Al-Mutanabbi and Al-Rashid Streets, and not ending with contemporary poets and pioneering plastic artists, stressing the need to establish joint cultural centers, and develop bilateral relations to include holding musical evenings, literary and poetry seminars, and increasing cultural cross-fertilization between the two ancient peoples. The Tunisian President also praised the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani late last August, and the agreements it resulted in to develop bilateral cooperation between the two countries, commending the efforts of the I raqi government to advance the country's service, economic and cultural reality, and the person of the Prime Minister and his method of management, describing it as wise. For his part, Minister Al-Badrani praised the history of culture and arts in Iraq, expressing his admiration for what he saw in Tunisia of educated people eager for authentic art and solid music, and the spread of centers that sponsor creativity and support enlightened thought. He also presented a project to hold the "Music Makes Peace" festival with the participation of Iraqi, Tunisian and other Arab musical groups, in Iraq in the coming weeks. Source: National Iraqi News Agency