Chairman of Painting & Patronage Foundation Anthony Bailey stated that the announcement of a new program for cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be an important step in enhancing cultural, artistic and educational cooperation and understanding between the two friendly countries as well as further afield in the Arab world and Europe. In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Bailey praised the remarkable work and great activity undertaken by both Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Governor of Makkah Region, and Britain's Heir to the throne Prince Charles of Wales, over so many years, highlighting the new Program announced in Wales last Monday as yet another illustration of the unique cultural and artistic partnership which was first established ten years ago by Prince of Wales and Prince Khalid Al-Faisal. Bailey pointed out that the program comes under the Royal Patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in addition to the support given by European Heads of State and leaders, including Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Portugal's President Jorge Sampaio. He said the objective of the new program, which will take place under the joint Presidency of Prince of Wales and Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, is to build bridges of artistic and educational understanding between the Arab world and Europe and to establish a deeper understanding of each side's distinct and diverse cultures and traditions. --More
