Any talk of the Arab Culture should consider the Arab Language as its solid foundation; therefore, we should upgrade this language; the language of the Holy Quran which draws the attention of hundreds of millions; the very language in which half of the world history, the history of the world science and literature is written. Our language is that of the great poetry, thinking, philosophy and science. It is also so important to learn the living languages as to get acquainted with the accomplishments of human progress. This, however, does not mean to disregard our national language, nor to feel inferior before others. We have to be proud of our Arabic Language. Such a pride necessitates the enrichment of our language with all types of knowledge invention as to bolster its vitality, internationality, reactivating its role in the process of human awareness. There is no identity without language, and no homeland without an identity.

Damascus, brilliant on this occasion like every capital and every old city, seeks to make of this occasion a feast for invention adding new blocks to the Arab Culture skyscrapers . Further, Damascus seeks to make of this year that of amity, and solidarity among the sons of the Arab Nation, as a factor for new renewable awareness up to the importance of our free, dignified, pioneering and generous Arab Nation at the world level. Seeking to highlight our heritage and culture, we also seek through this occasion as to highlight the communication of Arab Culture with the world diverse cultures, and the common values which feed these cultures. And in particular these cultures with which we have lived, and interacted for long centuries, and exchanges all human giving across ages of our history. The presence of such a distinguished figure of brethren and friends with us on this occasion, coming from different countries, representing diverse cultures demonstrates this historic interaction. The most clear demonstration is the participation of brother Abdullah Gul- the President of Turkey- in this celebration; the Arab and Turkish Cultures, Arab and Turkish People have lived together for long centuries. Today, we witness such a huge interaction between both people, joint interests expanding, and feel the one feeling for both people.

Further, we seek to make of this occasion an opportunity for integrity among Arab intellectuals and educated in the face of the speedy developments witnessed by the world of today, with what they impose of necessity as to draw the lines for standing up to the present challenges through the work for the realization of an Arab Cultural Security in basic completion for the National Arab Security as to preserve the Arab Nation civilized identity, and to supply our sons with adequate knowledge tools for the safeguarding of our identity.

Ahead of us difficult tasks stand, which need a long time. He who shoulders the responsibility as to make his history never looks behind, nor feels pessimistic over the bulk of difficulty encountered; but moves forward with trustful strides whatever the sacrifices might be, and whatever heavy is the price. Great objectives need great men. Damascus is brilliant with her Damascene flower, spraying love over her visitors through the perfume of her jasmine, giving drink to the thirsty from her pure water. Damascus, however, has her sword rattling in the face of the greedy who want harm for her. We work for making the message of Damascus that of clinging to the Nation roots , to the language of the great ancestors filled with the sublime Arab values which call for goodness and peace, and which work for goodness and peace with honour and dignity.

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