Doha: Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh participated today in the opening of the International Orientalism Conference in Doha, which was attended by 600 researchers and intellectuals from around the world.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Salameh was a guest speaker at the opening session, “Towards Balanced Civilizational Communication,” which also included Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara and Director of the Centre for Middle Eastern Studies at Oxford University, Eugene Rogan.

In his address, the Culture Minister discussed the evolving concept of Orientalism and its criticisms, emphasizing that ideas have regained prominence over identity elements. He highlighted that in previous decades, considerations of identity and inherited elements overshadowed notions adopted freely, unlike the identity that is given at birth.

In response to a question regarding the situation in Gaza, Salameh expressed concerns about the effectiveness of international laws and systems, noting that recent events in Gaza challenge the shared international community of values. He stressed the importance of applying universal values consistently, without exception, in reference to Israel’s actions in Gaza.