Kuwait's Ambassador to Indonesia reaffirms Kuwait's firm belief in the importance of cultural exchange and public diplomacy

Kuwait’s Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, Khaled Al-Yassin, highlighted the role of cultural programs in spreading and consolidating the values of moderation and tolerance that underpin Kuwait’s vision and promoting them among peoples, during his participation in the opening of the 2026 Middle East Festival organized by the University of Indonesia.

Ambassador Al-Yassin stated in a special statement to KUNA that the embassy’s participation in this cultural festival underscores Kuwait’s prominent role in the Arab cultural landscape, through its encouragement of arts, sciences, culture, and scientific research, as well as its support for publishing, printing, and the issuance of literary, cultural, and scientific books and periodicals.

He added that the embassy participated in the festival by showcasing a collection of books highlighting Kuwait’s civilizational renaissance, alongside Kuwaiti cultural publications and traditional heritage products, in addition to offering several traditional Kuwaiti dishes.

Emphasizing Kuwait’s firm belief in the importance of cultural exchange and public diplomacy, Ambassador Al-Yassin said in his address to the festival, “Participation in the Middle East Festival highlights Kuwait’s approach to enhancing dialogue among civilizations and fostering communication between peoples.”

For his part, Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasiruddin Umar, in a similar speech, called on students to strengthen and consolidate relations between Indonesia and Middle Eastern countries across various fields, including education, culture, trade, and knowledge exchange.

Umar praised the Arabic Studies program at the University of Indonesia for its role in introducing Middle Eastern culture, stating that “this type of cooperation must continue to keep culture and humanity alive.”

This year’s Middle East Festival is organized under the theme “Light and Pride,” aiming to strengthen cultural and educational ties between Indonesia and Middle Eastern countries. It brings together cultural, academic, and youth activities, with participation from representatives of several Arab embassies in Jakarta, alongside university professors, public figures, and a large number of students.

The festival opened with the playing of the national anthems of Indonesia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Egypt, in the presence of representatives of participating countries, leaders of the University of Indonesia, organizers, and students.