Cairo, February 05 (QNA) - A regional forum on surveying craft traditions in the Arab World began today in Egypt.

The forum includes several activities, including a session on the experiences of Arab countries in conducting those surveys. Participants include the State of Qatar, Yemen, Saudi Arabi, Syria , Egypt, Palestine, and Mauritania.

Egypt's Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno said that the forum was an important step in building the capabilities to tackle one of the most important cultural issues. He stressed that cultural heritage was not just a part of histpry to be celebrated, but also an important component of identity.

The forum, organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Egypt, in cooperation with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), aims to promote joint Arab cooperation and the exchange of expertise in the field of preserving intangible cultural heritage.(QNA)