The forum is being held under the patronage of Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Addressing the inaugural session, Qatari Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari said the forum reflects the deep- rooted cultural bonds and friendly exchanges among the peoples of the region.
"The GCC nations are bound by common history and joint destiny," Qatar News Agency (QNA) quoted Dr. Al Kuwari as saying.
"The State of Qatar attaches great importance to the protection of cultural heritage as a national responsibility, which should be maintained for the benefit of future generations," the minister stressed.
"Preserving Qatar’s heritage is an important pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Cultural Sector Strategy 2011 – 2016, which demonstrates the growing capacity of the cultural heritage to be a stabilizing factor and play a role in enhancing human bonds," he went on.
Dr. Al Kuwari hailed the efforts being exerted by the GCC Society for History and Archeology and its major achievements since it was established in 1997 and until now. The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage plays a key supporting role in enhancing culture in Qatar through such meetings, he said, congratulating Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on receiving the GCC Society for History and Archeology’s well-deserved Award in recognition of her continuous efforts to preserve Qatari heritage and national identity.
Sheikha Mayassa is the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museum Authority (QMA).
