On his current visit to Italy, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Minister of Culture, met with the esteemed Italian Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, in the picturesque city of Venice. This meeting coincided with Saudi Arabia’s participation in the 2025 Venice Biennale of Architecture, marking the event’s 19th edition and underlining the profound cultural exchanges between the two nations.
During the discussions, both ministers explored the significance of bilateral cultural relations, emphasizing their role in strengthening shared cultural ties. The dialogue highlighted the importance of enhancing international cultural exchanges through participation in various events and activities held in both countries. A focal point of the conversation was Saudi Arabia’s ongoing involvement in the Biennale, which has seen the Kingdom host a national pavilion for five consecutive years since 2021.
The talks also covered collaborative efforts between the culture ministries of both countries to monitor and implement mutually beneficial cultural initiatives. The ministers shed light on several contemporary cultural projects that signify the growing partnership between Saudi Arabia and Italy across various sectors. Noteworthy initiatives included the collaboration between the Saudi Museums Authority and Italy’s Triennale Milano Foundation to establish a design museum in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, there was discussion around the cooperation between the Architecture and Design Authority and the Salone del Mobile to host an exhibition in the Kingdom.
The meeting underscored the Ministry of Culture’s various cultural activations planned in Venice for 2025. Attendees from the Saudi side included His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Ambassador to Italy, along with prominent officials, such as Deputy Minister of Culture Hamed Fayez and Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan Al-Tawuq.
Overall, this engagement reinforces the bilateral commitment to not only foster cultural dialogue but also to explore innovative avenues for collaboration that celebrate both nations’ rich cultural heritages. The forthcoming Venice Biennale presents a critical platform for Saudi Arabia to further showcase its cultural initiatives and vision on an international stage, enhancing its presence within the global architectural and artistic community. Such engagements reflect a broader strategy to cultivate deep-rooted cultural connections that transcend borders and foster mutual understanding.
