Necessary legislation can help in preserving the rich cultural heritage globally, according to Shura Council member.
Dr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who chaired the 5th consultative meeting of the Association of Senates, Shura and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab world (ASSECAA), in Burundi stressed the importance of issuing legislation that ensures the protection of local cultural properties, the historical and the archaeological landmarks in their places of origin, as well as in the mobile places.
Chairman of the Shura Council, Ali Bin Saleh Al-Saleh delegated Shaikh Khalid, who is also the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, to represent Bahrain at the meeting.
The meeting was held in Bujumbura, the capital of the Republic of Burundi, and concluded on Saturday.
Shaikh Khalid highlighted that legislation should include the issue of property in general and ownership of land where the archaeological sites are located, lauding the efforts of the government represented in Ministry of Culture in preserving such sites, and informing about them at the regional and international levels.
Shaikh Khalid pointed out that the legislation and laws concerned with preserving and protecting cultural heritage at the local level for each country and at the regional and international level, and participation in the international conventions and ratifying them, should be completed and activated.
Shaikh Khalid also said that the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage in Kingdom of Bahrain is considered an unprecedented achievement in the Middle East, where it provides expertise as well as methods and techniques, aiming at promoting the Arab heritage to the world’s level, and preserving humanitarian heritage traditions.
Deputy Chairman of Public Utilities and Environment Committee at the Shura Council asserted that the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, had a prominent role in the accomplishment of many cultural achievements that are praised by everyone.
Shaikh Khalid highlighted that those achievements accomplished by HM the King included the selection of Bahrain as the Capital of Asian Tourism, the selection of Bahrain as the Capital of Arab Culture, the inclusion of many artifacts and historical forts in Kingdom of Bahrain within the record of world’s heritage cared for by United Nations.
Shaikh Khalid also pointed out the efforts of the government chaired by HRH Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minister, and the support of HRH Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and First Deputy Premier.