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Heritage potentials place Bahrain on world cultural map -- Bahrain Crown Prince

(With CUL-BAHRAIN-KING) MANAMA, June 24 (KUNA) -- Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, said that the Kingdom's rich culture is derived from its heritage and cultural capabilities.
In a speech during the opening of the 42nd session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) on Sunday, Prince Salman stressed that the Kingdom's hosting of the event is a key step in its distinguished march aiming to highlight its cultural and historic identity.
He lauded efforts by the WHC in documenting history, culture and heritage of societies as well as promoting humanitarian communication.
Meanwhile, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities Sheikha Mai bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa said the 42nd session is a great historic event for the Kingdom, which was elected during the UNESCO's general conference last November as a WHC member.
She hoped that the session would be fruitful, and Bahrain would continue to feature high on the UNESCO's programs to promote bonds of international cooperation and preserve historic sites as well as achieve prosperity to all peoples.
Head of the 42nd session Sheikha Haya bint Rashid welcomed participants of this annual gathering, stressing the utmost importance paid by Bahrain in protecting natural and cultural heritage.
UNESCO's Director General Audrey Azoulay said that hosting the event by an Arab country had a special significance due to the cultural and heritage richness of the Arab region.
She hoped that the session would lead to further sustainable action for making tangible results, commending Bahrain's humanitarian heritage sites. (end) hmd.hm