Sabeen Cultural Forum has taken its first steps toward Mediterranean cultural openness and cooperation through a virtual meeting with Fundación Antonio Gala in the Spanish city of Córdoba on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Representing Sabeen Cultural Forum at the meeting were Forum President Walid El Assi and External Relations Coordinator Mohamad Rays El Mina, while the meeting was moderated by Art Committee member Achtarout Aoun. Representing the Spanish side were the Foundation’s President Francisco Moreno and Director José María Gala.

The meeting served as an initial space for mutual introduction and for exchanging perspectives on the role of culture in strengthening human connections between Mediterranean cities and communities, alongside presenting the experiences and cultural activities of both institutions. Discussions also addressed the importance of gradually developing forms of cultural exchange between Sidon and Córdoba, based on the shared human and cultural dimensions of both cities.

Representatives of Sabeen Cultural Forum emphasized during the meeting that the Forum, as an independent cultural space, seeks to build long-term cultural relations that go beyond seasonal and temporary events, focusing instead on dialogue, exchange of experiences, and mutual cultural understanding between local communities.

Both sides also expressed their interest in continuing communication and holding future meetings aimed at exploring possible avenues of cultural cooperation between the two institutions, while gradually shaping future joint initiatives.

For its part, Fundación Antonio Gala welcomed the continuation of communication and the opening of new horizons for future cultural cooperation, particularly in light of the designation of Sidon and Córdoba within the “Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2027” initiative.

This meeting comes as part of a broader series of contacts and initiatives undertaken by Sabeen Cultural Forum with the aim of expanding its cultural presence and building Mediterranean partnerships based on dialogue and cultural and human exchange.