Cultural cooperation in Indian Ocean rim

An association grouping 19 countries in the Indian Ocean rim has been urged to consider undertaking cultural cooperation projects that could strengthen people-to-people linkages among its members.

Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed highlighted the common historical and cultural linkages shared by many of the member states.

He spoke of the dhow named 'Jewel of Muscat' which was given to Singapore by the Sultanate of Oman.

He said the gift which is a replica of a 9th century Arabian dhow was an example of a cultural cooperation project.

Mr. Zainul was speaking at a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation in Yemen.

While in Yemen, Mr Zainul Abidin also met the Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Abu Bakr al-Qirbi.

They discussed issues relating to bilateral relations as well as potential areas of cooperation in security and environment.

He also met Yemeni Minister of Endowments and Guidance, Hamoud al-Hitar, and exchanged views on Islam and religious rehabilitation.