Iraq proud of Syria's cultural activities

Undersecretary of the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, Taher al-Hammoud, said that Syria's participation in the activities of "Baghdad: Arab Capital of Culture" is a source of pride for Iraq due to the historic and fraternal relations between the two countries. In a statement to SANA upon receiving Syrian Minister of Culture Dr. Lubana Mashouh on Sunday, al-Hammoud said that Baghdad and Damascus are the symbols of Arab culture as they were capitals of the Islamic and Arab nation for centuries. He welcomed the visit of Mashouh and the accompanying delegation, hoping that Syria will participate in all the cultural events which will be held in 2013. In turn, Mashouh affirmed Syria's commitment to participating in the activities of Baghdad: Arab Capital of Culture. In a statement to SANA upon her arrival in Baghdad International Airport, Mashouh said that Damascus and Baghdad represent the heart of Arabism and they're siblings in blood and soul as history proves, adding that Syria today is more committed than ever to relations with Iraq. She lauded the political stances and the political and economic support given by Iraq to Syria. Mashouh and the accompanying delegation arrived in Baghdad to participate in the Baghdad: Arab Capital of Culture activities, answering the invitation of the Iraqi government.