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Ailyn Agonia
Doha
A PANEL discussion on cultural heritage preservation featuring industry experts will be among the highlights of the celebration of Europe Day at the Qatar National Library (QNL) on May 9.
Aside from the panel discussion, an exhibition of GIFs drawn from European libraries collections and a piano concert will also be held. Furthermore, guests will be given a tour to the exhibition titled 'Arab and German Tales-Transcending Cultures' which opened at QNL recently as part of the Europe Day celebrations.
The celebrations are co-sponsored by EU member-state embassies in Qatar with the support of EUNIC (the European cultural cluster in Doha) in partnership with QNL during the current Bulgarian presidency of the Council of the European Union.
"We are very excited about the celebration of Europe Day. Every year on May 9 we celebrate the success of the European Union. Despite the challenges, it is a very successful endeavour and I think that it is good to celebrate on an annual basis the achievements and establishment of one of the world's biggest markets," the Netherlands Ambassador to Qatar and Chair of the steering group of EU ambassadors in Qatar HE Dr Bahia Tahzib-Lie said at a press briefing held in the presence of Ambassador Michele Cervone d'Urso, head of the delegation of the European Union (EU) to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, on Monday.
"In 2012, the EU was awarded the Noble Peace Prize because EU, for decades, has been promoting peace, reconciliation, democracy and human rights. This is a very independent voice that is really emphasising how successful the European Union is," she added.
Ambassador Tahzib-Lie also highlighted that the event is linked to the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage, pointing out the importance attached both by Qatar and the EU to cultural heritage. She also stressed the important role of steering committee of EU ambassadors in advancing and promoting the visibility of EU in the country as well as the efforts to foster closer relations among its people.
Bulgarian Ambassador to Qatar HE Metin Kazak said that the 17-memberstate embassies represented in Qatar are meeting regularly to discuss different topics, including their common approach to relationship with Qatar.
On the upcoming events of EU to be held throughout the year, EUNIC Qatar President Olivier Deseez mentioned plans to host a film festival which is likely to take place at the Museum of Islamic Art sometime in October. Other events lined up by the EU in Doha include European Language Day celebration in September and European Jazz Festival.
The press briefing was also attended by Chairman of Dutch Business Council Qatar Robert W Cats.
(Photograph by Hanson K Joseph)
