The Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific organization (ALECSO) organized, on December 3, 2024 at its headquarters in Tunis, the 3rd Annual Arab-Spanish Educational Forum under the theme of “The Educational Role of Andalusian Literature in Promoting Shared Values”.
The Forum was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, in the presence of H.E. Mr. Javier Puig Saura, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Tunisia, along with members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tunisia.
In his opening remarks, the Director-General stated that the Forum serves as a platform to strengthen Arab-Spanish friendship and cooperation, and an opportunity to revive the shared heritage that connects the two shores of the Mediterranean. It represents a moment to reflect on a history of civilizational interaction, with focus on Andalusian literature as a mirror of shared cultural identity and a rich source of human values that unite nations.
The Director-General reiterated the call to draw inspiration from Andalusian literature to uphold shared human values and to work together to strengthen cultural cooperation between the Arab world and Spain, in order to build a future that honors the shared past and reflects the common aspirations. He stressed that culture is not just symbols or traditions, but the heartbeat of life that unites peoples. He concluded by reaffirming ALECSO’s commitment to enhancing Arab-Spanish relations, in pursuit of a brighter future for all peoples.
For his part, the Spanish Ambassador underlined the strong relations between the Arab countries and Spain. He highlighted several cultural and educational activities being carried out in Tunisia, and expressed full readiness to further enhance cooperation with ALECSO for the continued holding of the Arab-Spanish Educational Forum.
The Forum’s program featured a lecture by Dr. Ibrahim Chabbouh on “The Andalusian Presence in Tunisia”. It also included Spanish musical performances, along with workshops for children on Spanish literature (“Sira y la comida mágica” comics).
