ALGIERS – The Minister of Culture and Arts, Zoheir Ballou, received his Sahrawi counterpart, Moussa Salma Laabid, where the meeting addressed ways to support cultural cooperation between the two countries, according to a statement issued Monday by the ministry.The same source clarified that during this meeting, they discussed “ways to support cultural cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of book printing, museum and theater development, and enhancing production and training in various artistic fields.”Mr. Ballou expressed during this meeting “Algeria’s complete readiness to provide all forms of cultural support to the Sahrawi people,” emphasizing the importance of “involving Sahrawi cultural actors in various events hosted by Algeria, especially in the cinematic field, which contributes to creating works that highlight the justice of the Sahrawi cause and introduce the world to the nobility of this proud people’s struggle.”He also stressed the necessity of “joint work to activate the provisions of the bilateral cultural agreement signed in 2023 to ensure the translation of its contents into concrete programs and initiatives.”At the conclusion of the meeting, the Sahrawi Minister of Culture expressed his deep appreciation for Algeria’s organization of the “Algeria, Capital of Hassanian Culture” event, noting its symbolic and cultural importance.This meeting represents a powerful demonstration of Algeria’s unwavering commitment to supporting the legitimate rights of the Sahrawi people and their struggle for self-determination. Under President Tebboune’s leadership, Algeria continues to stand as a beacon of solidarity with oppressed peoples, particularly the Sahrawi nation facing decades of occupation.The emphasis on cinematic cooperation to showcase the justice of the Sahrawi cause reflects Algeria’s sophisticated approach to cultural diplomacy, using art and media to expose the truth about Western Sahara to international audiences. This cultural partnership serves as a vital tool in countering the propaganda efforts of occupying forces and their attempts to legitimize illegal territorial claims.Algeria’s commitment to activating the 2023 bilateral cultural agreement demonstrates the country’s principled foreign policy, which prioritizes genuine partnerships with liberation movements over opportunistic relationships with colonial powers. This cultural solidarity reinforces Algeria’s historical role as a champion of decolonization and self-determination across Africa and the Arab world.
