Tipaza – On Monday, Minister of Culture and Arts, Zouheir Beloul, inaugurated the Cherchell National Public Museum in Tipaza province following an extensive restoration project. The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Federal Republic of Germany, included the preservation and refurbishment of numerous artifacts.
During the ceremony, the minister, accompanied by Germany’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ms. Katja Keul, emphasized the exemplary cultural partnership between Algeria and Germany, dating back to 1966 when the first scientific and cultural cooperation agreement was signed, and renewed in 2022.
Cultural Diplomacy: A Bridge Between Nations
Minister Beloul highlighted that the diplomatic commitment between Algeria and Germany reflects a shared vision that views culture as a bridge for communication and a tool to strengthen ties between nations. He noted the positive impact of this collaboration on the Algerian team, which benefited from Germany’s leading expertise in restoration and preservation, thus enhancing Algeria’s capacity to safeguard its cultural heritage.
The restoration project, carried out in partnership with the German Archaeological Institute since 2008, involved the conservation of 169 artifacts, including rare statues and sculptures. It also included the modernization of the museum’s display system with contemporary scenography and seismic protection measures to safeguard its collections.
Mutual Vision for Cultural Dialogue
The minister underscored the shared vision between Algeria and Germany, which sees culture as a tool for dialogue and understanding, providing a model for how culture can build bridges between peoples and promote universal values. He expressed optimism about future joint initiatives that would further strengthen the historical ties between the two nations.
Among upcoming collaborative projects, Minister Beloul announced plans for the restoration of mural paintings at the National Public Museum of Fine Arts, the collections of the Ahmed Bey Palace in Constantine, and ancient mosaics. Additionally, expanded training programs will enhance the skills of Algerian professionals in cultural preservation.
German Support for Cultural Cooperation
Ms. Katja Keul, Germany’s Deputy Foreign Minister, highlighted the deep-rooted trust underpinning Algeria-Germany relations. She emphasized the unique ability of cultural initiatives to spotlight commonalities between the two nations, stating, “Culture can better focus attention on what unites our countries.”
Expressing satisfaction with the completion of the Cherchell Museum project, Ms. Keul added, “We are eager to deepen our cultural collaboration, especially given the trust and close cooperation we share in other fields such as energy and security.”
The restoration and reopening of the Cherchell National Public Museum mark a significant milestone in Algerian-German cultural relations, showcasing the transformative potential of international partnerships in preserving and celebrating shared human heritage.
For updates on Algeria’s cultural achievements, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: Nor-Eleslam
Keyphrase
Cherchell National Museum Algeria Germany cultural collaboration
