Algerian Radio
The Minister of Culture and Arts, Ms. Malika Bendouda, received on Monday in the capital, the Chadian Minister of Tourist Development, Culture and Handicrafts, Mr. Abakar Rozzi Teguil. The two parties discussed ways to elevate cultural and artistic cooperation to broader horizons that reflect the depth of the historical ties uniting the two countries, according to a ministry press release.
The statement explained that the meeting, which took place in the presence of the Chadian Ambassador to Algeria, falls within the framework of strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and cultural cooperation between Algeria and the Republic of Chad. It pointed out that it provided an "auspicious opportunity to review the reality of bilateral relations and discuss ways to elevate cultural and artistic cooperation to broader horizons reflecting the depth of the historical ties that unite the two brotherly countries."
In this context, and as an embodiment of the shared will to consolidate cultural diplomatic relations—the statement added—"the two parties agreed on the participation of a high-level Chadian delegation in the proceedings of the International Symposium on Manuscripts, scheduled to be organized on June 15 and 16 under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune."
The Minister also expressed Algeria's readiness to organize visits for Chadian delegations to the wilaya of Laghouat to visit the General Caliphate of the Tijaniyya Tariqa in "Ain Madhi," as a "strategic step aimed at strengthening shared spiritual and cultural dimensions" and "deepening the extensive Sufi and historical ties between the two countries and the African continent as a whole."
Furthermore, Ms. Bendouda affirmed "Algeria's full readiness to provide support and assistance to the Chadian side to benefit from Algeria's pioneering expertise in the field of preserving and digitizing manuscripts" and to "coordinate joint efforts to combat illicit trafficking in cultural property and artifacts," as well as "coordinating the two countries' endeavors to restitute artworks, artifacts, and manuscripts to their countries of origin."
Regarding the protection and valorization of human heritage, the Algerian side expressed its willingness to transfer its experience and expertise in the field of establishing cultural parks to the Republic of Chad. This would involve sending Algerian experts to assess the state of preservation of Chadian cultural heritage sites, in addition to exchanging expertise in the fields of artistic training and the preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, according to the same statement.
The two parties also outlined an ambitious roadmap to activate the dynamic of creative exchange. This includes the exchange of visits by artistic delegations and experts, and the organization of cinematic days, cultural weeks, and visual arts exhibitions in both countries. This is in addition to opening new prospects for cooperation in the field of translation and hosting young talents in literary and creative residencies, with an emphasis on mutual participation in international cultural festivals and artistic gatherings held in Algeria and Chad.
