Manama, November 1 (BNA) The Antiquities Alliance, in cooperation with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the US Department of State and the US Embassy in Bahrain, held a webinar entitled “Strengthening Bilateral Relations in the Kingdom of Bahrain”. combating illicit trafficking in cultural property.
The panel discussion was presented by Executive Director of the Archeology Alliance Dr. Tess Davis, and included BACA President Sheikha Mai Muhammad Al Khalifa, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs Matthew Lussenhope, Senior Scholar at the Smithsonian Institution. Ambassador-at-Large Dr. Richard Koren, Advisor to the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage in Manama, Dr. Mounir Bushnaki, and Chargé d’Affairs of the US Embassy in Bahrain Maggie Nardi.
The discussion, moderated by Dr. Corinne, emphasized the central role of cultural leadership in enhancing global security, domestic economies and foreign diplomacy and detailed the risks of illicit trafficking in cultural property and associated terrorist activities. Keynote speakers highlighted the growing challenges, particularly during the pandemic, and shared their countries’ views and efforts in this area.
Sheikha Mai expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Antiquities Coalition for organizing this influential initiative at this time when illicit trade is booming in the region.
She stated that although Bahrain is not active in the illegal trade in cultural property, it is committed to heritage preservation and can play an important role in border control and combating illegal trafficking with US support.
She added that Bahrain ratified the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing Illicit Import and Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property in 2014.
The President of BACA highlighted the importance of Bahrain’s millennia-old heritage and efforts to protect it including building a sustainable cultural infrastructure, the inclusion of 3 Bahraini sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the opening of the UNESCO World Heritage Center in Manama. . Nearly four decades after the opening of the Bahrain National Museum, which at the time was considered the first of its kind in the region, Bahrain continues to invest in the preservation, preservation and promotion of heritage. Specifically, Sheikha Mai’s launch of the Investment in Culture Initiative has been a very successive collaboration between the private and public sectors and has led to an increased awareness of the importance and protection of local heritage.
She noted the role of the Arab Regional Center in providing support in the field of heritage preservation to Arab countries since 2012, and also played an active role in providing training for Bahrainis and young professionals in the region.
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Assistance Matthew Lussenhop spoke about the role of the United States in combating the illegal trade in cultural property and the return of artifacts, noting that the US authorities have succeeded in facilitating the return of about 20,000 artifacts to 45 countries. This endeavor requires building strong partnerships with different countries around the world and close cooperation between private and public entities to ensure sustainable development.
He also discussed the current challenges especially given the global pandemic that has seriously affected the work of agencies at all levels, which has led to the resurgence of illegal activities and the emergence of e-commerce that has also allowed the creation of a new market for the trade of looted cultural property.
Dr. Mounir Bouchnaki said Bahrain is committed to raising awareness about the illegal antiquities trade through extensive training for antiquities dealers and legitimate customs personnel, in addition to encouraging the protection of cultural property.
Bochenaki stressed the importance of cooperation with educational and cultural institutions.
The Chargé d’Affairs thanked the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the Antiquities Coalition and the US Department of State for their collaborative efforts to strengthen the fight against illicit trafficking in cultural property and announced the signing of the “Manama Cooperation Document 2021” that defines the framework for joint action. In the future in order to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property and the consequent illegal activities.
The document includes an affirmation by the United States and Bahrain of the important role they play in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property while also recognizing the importance of cultural exchange and fair trade practices. The joint statement includes the two countries’ commitment to work together by exchanging information and experiences.
MI