A delegation from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, headed by His Excellency Dr. Yousif Abdulla Alobaidli, Director General of the Centre, visited the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the meeting with Director Aliya Mustafina, the parties discussed potential areas of professional cooperation.

The discussions focused on the preservation of historical documents and manuscripts, work with archival and library collections, digital heritage, as well as opportunities for professional and academic exchange.

«We have several areas of common professional interest. These include the preservation, restoration and digitization of historical documents and manuscripts, the long-term preservation of digital heritage, as well as exhibition and research and educational projects», said Aliya Mustafina.

Today, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only a religious site but also a major cultural and educational center. It hosts museum and exhibition projects and has a library, while its programmes focus on the history of Islamic civilization, art, architecture, Arabic calligraphy, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and intercultural dialogue.

Archival and exhibition cooperation was also discussed during the meeting. H.E. Dr. Yousif Alobaidli noted that the Centre has its own photo and video archive and expressed its readiness to provide the Archive of the President with materials related to visits by Kazakhstani leaders to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The idea of developing joint exhibition projects dedicated to the history of relations between Kazakhstan and the UAE was also proposed. The participants noted the potential of cultural exchange through joint exhibitions that could introduce audiences in both countries to the national heritage, art, traditions and history of Kazakhstan and the UAE.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre presented books on cultural heritage to the Archive of the President’s library collection. The books will be made available in the Archive’s reading room in Astana.