Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) president Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa has been conferred with a prestigious Italian decoration in recognition of his efforts to bolster cultural ties.
The ‘Commander of the Order of the Star of Italy’ was presented by Italian Ambassador Andrea Catalano during a special reception held at his residence on Tuesday.
Bestowed by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, the high distinction recognises Shaikh Khalifa’s exceptional dedication to fostering intercultural dialogue and his pivotal role in advancing co-operation between the two nations in the fields of art, history and heritage preservation.
This comes amid a period of significant diplomatic momentum between Rome and Manama.
Recent milestones – including the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Bahrain, the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to Rome, and the private meeting between His Majesty King Hamad and the Italian Premier – have significantly strengthened bilateral relations.
Mr Catalano described Shaikh Khalifa as a ‘true bridge-builder’ whose vision aligns with Italy’s commitment to preserving history.
“It is a privilege to present this decoration during such a vibrant period for our bilateral relations,” the ambassador said. “His vision for Baca resonates with Italy’s commitment to preserving history, proving that culture is a powerful engine for diplomatic growth. This award celebrates a shared passion for beauty, knowledge and the universal language of culture.”
Upon receiving the honour, Shaikh Khalifa expressed his gratitude, describing Italy as a key partner for the kingdom in cultural diplomacy.
“Both countries believe in the power of culture for dialogue, understanding and expressing beauty,” Shaikh Khalifa said.
“Both nations possess a rich cultural heritage, ranging from antiquities to contemporary art. We have been fortunate to showcase many of these assets in Bahrain, as well as maintain a presence in Italy through various forums.”
He highlighted Bahrain’s recent global success, specifically noting the kingdom’s participation at the Venice Biennale last year, where it won the prestigious Golden Lion for the best national pavilion.
“This recognition is significant; it showcases the importance of the work we do in Bahrain regarding architecture and the balance between current needs and architectural innovation,” he added.
The reception was attended by several esteemed guests and served as a celebration of the fruitful collaboration between the two nations, paving the way for future joint initiatives in the cultural sector.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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