BEIJING — Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr Bin Abdullah Bin Farhan announced the creation of Prince Muhammad Bin Salman Award for Cultural Cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China. The minister made the announcement during his visit to King Abdulaziz Library at Beijing University on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The award honors outstanding Saudi and Chinese academics, linguists and innovators in the categories of the best scientific research in Arabic language; the best artistic creative work; the best translation of a book from Arabic language to Chinese language and vice versa; the personality of the year and the most influential personality in cultural circles for the year. "This partnership in the name of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman is an embodiment for joint commitment to building cultural bridges between the two countries, developing the cultural exchange and enhancing artistic and academic opportunities for our citizens," the minister said while looking forward to seeing talents to be made public in various categories of the award. The annual award aims to promote Arabic and creative language, literature, and arts in China; promote mutual understanding and the cultural exchange between Saudi and Chinese cultures, and achieve common objectives for both the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. The relationship between the Kingdom and China is characterized by a long history of cultural cooperation and exchanges in the fields of culture and arts, including the annual festival of Arab arts. The King Abdulaziz Public Library was inaugurated in Beijing University in 2017 during the official visit to China by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, during which the university conferred on the King its honorary doctorate degree.
