The Three Cultures Foundation, key to relations between the United Arab Emirates and Andalusia

After a morning focused on economic and trade relations between Andalusia and the United Arab Emirates, with the Science and Technology Park as the backdrop, al-Suwaidi moved on to Seville. In the Andalusian capital, the Emirati ambassador visited the headquarters of the Three Cultures Foundation, an institution that promotes understanding and dialogue between the countries on the shores of the Mediterranean.

Al-Suwaidi met with Rogelio Velasco, Minister of Economic Transformation, Industry, Knowledge and Universities; Enrique Millo, Secretary General for External Action; Rosario Alarcón, Director of Andalucía Global; and Concha de Santa Ana, Director of the Three Cultures Foundation.

The Fundación Tres Culturas is located in the former Moroccan pavilion, Hassan II, at Expo 92 in Seville. The Alawi Kingdom is also a "key global partner", as Concha de Santa Ana stated.

The director of the Foundation explained to the ambassador the objectives and values of the institution. "We work for all the cultures of the Mediterranean, seeking dialogue between all parties. We work for understanding", she declared. In addition to cultural coexistence, the Three Cultures Foundation also aims to promote inter-religious dialogue by integrating the three monotheistic religions.

In addition to the foundations of the Foundation, the director informed the ambassador about other plans, such as the halal project that encompasses the entire Muslim world and aims to offer quality tourism to those who want to visit Andalusia or invest in the community. On the other hand, the institution is carrying out international cooperation missions, for example in Senegal, where it is working on cultural and environmental recovery. The Fundación Tres Culturas also offers classes in classical Arabic, Moroccan Arabic or Dariya and Hebrew.

Enrique Millo, who had previously met with the ambassador in Córdoba, once again thanked Al-Suwaidi for his visit to Andalusia. The Secretary General for External Action highlighted two aspects of the Three Cultures Foundation. Firstly, he pointed out its unique character in Europe as an entity that unites "three cultures for dialogue and understanding".

Secondly, he explained the influence it can have on economic relations. The institution is a form of "cultural diplomacy", as Millo stated. "It facilitates trust," he added. For this reason, it also strengthens trade relations.

Afterwards, the ambassador gave a speech in which he reaffirmed his country's commitment to achieving understanding between different cultures and religions. Al-Suwaidi referred to the Three Cultures Foundation as "a space for dialogue, understanding and tolerance".

Due to the large number of nationalities living together in the United Arab Emirates, the ambassador assured that one of the main objectives of the government is to achieve cultural understanding and respectful coexistence. In this regard, the Emirati representative referred to the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence to demonstrate Abu Dhabi's efforts in this regard.

As he did in his speech in Córdoba, the diplomat presented Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic House, a religious complex that houses a mosque, a church and a synagogue, as a model of coexistence: "These three religions share the same history", he pointed out. Mr al-Suwaidi also called for combating religious extremism and referred to his country's agreements with Israel.

On the Middle East, al-Suwaidi acknowledged that the region was known for "conflicts and hostilities" and that change was needed for future generations. "We need to be open-minded towards other cultures," he said.

The ambassador, apart from advocating understanding between cultures, invited the Three Cultures Foundation and Andalusia to work with institutions in the Emirates that have the same objective. Al-Suwaidi pointed out the importance of establishing more ties in this aspect, looking for "ways to work more together, develop projects and initiatives that promote tolerance". With a view to Andalusia's week at the Dubai Expo, the ambassador has proposed reaching agreements to begin to develop these plans.

Subsequently, economic and commercial issues were again on the table. Rogelio Velasco, Regional Minister for Economic Transformation, Industry, Knowledge and Universities, discussed with al-Suwaidi ways of cooperation between universities and technology organisations.

Prior to this meeting at the Fundación Tres Culturas, the ambassador made a tour of the Real Alcázar of Seville.