Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia strengthen cooperation in the field of libraries and archive

On February 7, 2024, HE Mr. Berik Aryn, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Saudi Arabia, met with HE Dr. Abdulrahman Alasem, CEO of the Libraries Commission of the Ministry of Culture of KSA.

During the meeting, the parties discussed ways to develop bilateral cooperation in the field of libraries and archives. In particular, they discussed the establishment of ties between the leading libraries of the two countries to exchange book collections and experience in the storage and digitization of books.   

In this context, Amb. B. Aryn briefed on the activities of Kazakh libraries and their role in society and noted that Kazakhstan has extensive experience in this field and is ready for close cooperation with Saudi partners. He also mentioned about the upcoming significant date - the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia, and in this regard expressed a request for assistance in searching and publishing materials from the archives of Saudi Arabia on the cultural and historical ties between two countries.

In turn, Dr. Abdulrahman Alasem informed about the work of the Libraries Commission  and Saudi libraries, and expressed interest in establishing contacts with Kazakhstani colleagues. As a first step, he proposed opening special book corners dedicated to Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia in the national libraries of the two countries, where readers could familiarize themselves with books telling about the history, culture and traditions of the two peoples.

The Libraries Commission of the Ministry of Culture of KSA was established in February 2020 to develop the library sector in Saudi Arabia.

 The Commission is working on the digital transformation of library services, helping to improve the efficiency of the library sector, encouraging innovation and investment in this area, promoting public participation in librarianship, and introducing all segments of the population to the culture of reading.