Baghdad: The Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, has signed a legal status agreement for the German Goethe-Institute in Baghdad.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Minister described Iraqi-German relations as long-standing and comprehensive, emphasizing that the ties between the two countries serve as bridges connecting their peoples and minds. The signing ceremony took place at the historic Al-Mustansiriya School, marking a significant milestone in cultural cooperation between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Iraq.
During his speech, Al-Badrani highlighted the importance of culture as a conduit of human knowledge, encompassing literature, thought, and art. He noted that culture reveals the essence of one nation to another and is pivotal in understanding the authenticity of their ideas. Al-Badrani remarked on the global interest in Iraq's rich antiquities and heritage, acknowledging the nation's historical role as the cradle of early civilizations.
Al-Badrani further emphasized the role of cultural and research centers, such as the Goethe-Institute, as vital hubs for idea exchange and support for students and researchers. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities has worked to remove obstacles that previously hindered the establishment of such a center in Iraq. The Goethe-Institute now stands as a key cultural institution in Baghdad.
The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the institute's opening, regarding it as a historic and promising development for future collaboration with the Ministry across various sectors.
The German Ambassador to Baghdad also spoke at the event, celebrating the historic setting of the Al-Mustansiriya School and acknowledging its significance in the Arab world's educational and scientific landscape. He described the agreement as a new chapter in cultural collaboration between Iraq and Germany, following years of groundwork. This agreement is the first the Ambassador has signed since taking office in Iraq.
The Ministry of Culture's statement clarified that the agreement provides the Goethe-Institute with a legal foundation to conduct its cultural activities in Iraq. The Institute will serve as a cultural bridge between Germany and Iraq, fostering creativity, understanding, and dialogue beyond just language instruction. The agreement allows for more effective collaboration and operations in Baghdad.