Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi Minister of Culture, announced ''Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award for Cultural Cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People's Republic of China'' during his visit to King Abdulaziz Library at Beijing University today. The award honors outstanding Saudi and Chinese academics, linguists and innovators in the categories of the best scientific research in Arabic language, the best artistic creative work, the best translation of a book from Arabic language to Chinese language and vice versa, the personality of the year and the most influential personality in cultural circles for the year. The Minister of Culture said in his speech, "This partnership in the name of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense is an embodiment for joint commitment to building cultural bridges between the two countries, developing the cultural exchange and enhancing artistic and academic opportunities for our citizens'', looking forward to seeing talents to be revealed in this award in various categories. The annual award aims to promote Arabic and creative language, literature, and arts in China, promote mutual understanding and the cultural exchange between Saudi and Chinese cultures, and the announcement achieves common objectives for both the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. The relationship between the Kingdom and China is characterized by a long history of cultural cooperation and exchanges in the fields of culture and arts, including the annual festival of Arab arts. King Abdulaziz Public Library was inaugurated in Beijing University in 2017 during the official visit paid to China by The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, whereas the University awarded the King an Honorary Doctorate degree.
