Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja with UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova at the opening of Saudi Cultural Days in Paris. (SPA)

PARIS: Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja and UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova opened a three-day Saudi cultural event at the UN educational body’s headquarters here Tuesday night.

A photo exhibition of the two holy mosques, a painting and an exhibit dedicated to the palm tree, an exhibition of Arabic calligraphy and a concert featuring folk dances will be the event’s highlights. The event themed “Saudi Cultural Days” includes a fashion show presenting traditional costumes, a fine arts exhibition, poetry recitals and display of various traditional dishes from the Kingdom.

Former Education Minister Abdullah Al-Obaid told a seminar on cultural dialogue to confront modern challenges that the West’s ignorance about Islam had a negative impact on Muslims.

Ziyad Al-Drees, Kingdom’s permanent representative to UNESCO, said dialogue would bring nations closer and contribute to removing their misunderstandings.

Khoja commended UNESCO for the courage it has shown by giving membership to Palestine. He described UNESCO as the last fortress to protect human culture and heritage. A seminar on “Saudi Woman: Education, Media and Social Participation” will also be held on the sidelines.