Amman, Oct. 15 (Petra) -- Culture Minister Mustafa Rawashdeh on Thursday discussed ways to strengthen cultural cooperation with five ambassadors and representatives of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states.

The talks also covered expanding artistic and knowledge exchange and completing procedures to sign cultural memorandums of understanding. They met Thursday at the Royal Cultural Center.

According to a ministry statement, Rawashdeh called for deepening cultural ties with Southeast Asian countries.

He said Jordan can benefit from these nations' experience in archiving and documentation, cultural and creative industries, and linking culture to the economy.

He noted that these countries have taken part in multiple Jordanian cultural events, including the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts.

Urging launch of an ASEAN cultural week in Jordan, he called for "stronger" Jordanian participation in cultural events held in these countries.

He said this effort would allow for the exchange of expertise and introduce different cultures and traditions.

Rawashdeh also urged "wider" participation by ASEAN countries in the Jerash Festival through folklore troupes and embassy cultural pavilions. He called for developing cooperation in tangible and intangible heritage and creative industries.

Additionally, the meeting reviewed existing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and efforts to complete pending agreements, as well as developing joint programs in culture, arts, archiving and heritage documentation.

In turn, the ambassadors affirmed the "strength" of their countries’ relations with Jordan, expressing keenness to strengthen those ties through joint cultural initiatives, exchange of expertise and artistic events.

The diplomats also praised the Culture Ministry’s efforts to expand cultural cooperation.

Brunei Darussalam Ambassador Noor Al-Huda Ahmad, Indonesian Ambassador Haji Ade Padmo Sarwono, Malaysian Embassy Charge d’Affaires Mohammad Irfan Zulkarnain, Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo Santos and Thai Ambassador Jiraporn Jirampaikool attended, as well as a number of diplomats and representatives of the embassies.

//Petra// NQ