Ministry of Culture Denies Rumors Regarding Minister's Foreign Visits

SadaNews - The Ministry of Culture denounced the claims circulated on some platforms and social media regarding incorrect allegations related to the official foreign visits of Minister of Culture Imad Hamdan.

The ministry stated in a press release today that the foreign visits that took place recently were by official invitations from international and Arab entities, and they were fully hosted and financed by the organizing and hosting parties, in accordance with established diplomatic protocols between countries.

It added that these visits come within the guidelines of the Palestinian government regarding rationalizing and regulating foreign travel, and they are limited to the essential minimum imposed by national interest. The ministry apologized for not accepting the majority of the official invitations received in the recent period, and representatives from the State of Palestine were sent to some of them via our accredited ambassadors in the inviting countries, in compliance with government directives aimed at rationalizing expenditure and restricting foreign participation.

It confirmed that if we consider the number of actual foreign participations, it shows an average of one international participation approximately every two and a half months, which is a normal and balanced rate considering the nature of the ministry's work and its role in representing the State of Palestine culturally on the international stage.

It emphasized that all procedures related to these visits are fully subject to the financial and administrative regulations in place in the Palestinian government, and are conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations regulating public expenditure, and are subject to scrutiny and audit by the relevant oversight bodies without exception, ensuring the highest levels of transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

The Ministry of Culture said, "These visits come within the national responsibility of the Ministry of Culture to enhance the cultural presence of the State of Palestine at the Arab and international levels, especially in the light of the restrictions and measures imposed by the occupation which prevent the ability of Arab and international delegations to reach the State of Palestine. Therefore, foreign outreach and direct communication with cultural institutions around the world is a strategic necessity to ensure the continuation of cultural exchange, enhance the Palestinian narrative, and solidify the presence of the State of Palestine in international forums."

It added, "These visits resulted in the signing and activation of cultural cooperation agreements and securing various forms of support for Palestinian culture, in addition to enhancing the position and presence of the State of Palestine in Arab and international cultural forums."

The Ministry of Culture also confirmed its full commitment to the principles of transparency and accountability, asserting that the ministry's doors and records remain open to our people.

It stated, "Therefore, the Ministry of Culture retains its legal right to pursue any abuse or defamation directed at the institution or its employees. The ministry will continue to fulfill its national duty in serving Palestinian culture and enhancing its presence in the world, based on its responsibility towards our people and their just cause."

Some social media pages claimed that the foreign trips of the Minister of Culture had reached two million shekels.