On her part, HE Afra Al Sabri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development confirmed that the Ministry's participation in UK/UAE 2017 comes as embodiment of the depth of relations between the two friendly countries over the course of years. She added that the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, under the guidance of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, adopts a clear vision of the cultural and cognitive openness to all cultures of the world, and establishing cultural bridges between peoples and nations based on a solid foundation. This contributes to promoting the values of tolerance and peace which the UAE calls for in all international forums. Stemming from this perspective the Ministry shall fully cooperate to ensure the success of the UK/UAE 2017 program. Al Sabri explained that Cultural centers affiliated to the Ministry of Culture will adopt a number of musical and opera performances organized by the program in addition to participating in seminars and events reflecting the creative side of cultural and artistic heritage in both countries in the fields of art, literature, education, society, sports, and science. Al Sabri pointed out The program aims to celebrate the relationship between both countries and work on its consolidation and development to keep pace with contemporary requirements. This will be achieved through presenting heritage and cultural programs, values and traditions established in both countries. In addition to supporting contemporary creativity in all areas and presenting creative and innovative ideas and supporting talents. All this will help to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two countries and explore opportunities for future cooperation. Both countries believe in the importance of cultural and human communication which contributes to the increase of direct contact between the two cultures , for example the exchange of visits and experiences among the younger generation. She further added that this program is a real addition for joint cooperation in the cultural and innovation field forming the basis of continuation of the extraordinary relationship between the UAE and the United Kingdom. On her part, Hannah Henderson, Head of UK/UAE 2017 program, which extends throughout 2017 across the UAE, praises the significant role played by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development to achieve the program’s objectives in the activation of cross-cultural communication. She assured that she held several meetings with Ministry’s officials to coordinate and cooperate between all the partners who contribute to this program, which is organized by the British Council in the UAE in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme commander of the forces armed, and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Henderson added that the program includes more than 100 cultural, artistic, educational and musical events with the participation of more than 40 bodies from the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. She further prices the attention and direct follow-up of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, to the program which is a manifestation of the deep ties between both countries. Isabel Bel Hol, Director of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, confirmed that the variety of participating bodies in the UK/UAE 2017 provides a wonderful environment for its success in achieving its objectives in literary, artistic, scientific and educational fields. It also provides an ideal opportunity for talents and creatives from both countries to express themselves , building bridges of communication between cultures and providing opportunities for exchanging creativity, values and heritage.