Beirut: Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salameh met with the Mayor of Sidon, Engineer Mustafa Hijazi, along with the head of the municipality’s cultural committee, Hisham Jaradeh, and the mayor’s advisor for cultural affairs, Wafaa Shuaib, at his office in the National Library in Sanayeh.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the meeting aimed to express gratitude for the Minister’s support in selecting Sidon as one of the Capitals of Mediterranean Culture and Dialogue for 2027 by the Union for Mediterranean Culture and Dialogue (UFM). Mayor Hijazi conveyed the ministry’s commitment to aiding Sidon in developing its cultural program for 2027, emphasizing collaboration with cultural organizations and civil society.

Engineer Hijazi highlighted discussions about securing support for the event’s program from both local and international entities, noting the significant role of the Hariri Foundation, the main supporter of Sidon’s application. He emphasized the collaborative efforts with stakeholders in Sidon, a city with a history spanning over 6,000 years. Hijazi also mentioned plans to work with partners in Qartaba to craft a cultural program that showcases Sidon’s rich heritage and the capabilities of its youth.

The announcement of Sidon’s cultural program, aligned with its designation as a Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2027, is expected shortly.