Han Ximin

DURING this year's ICIF, the major task of Ali Hussein Al youha, deputy secretary general of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters in Kuwait, is to find suitable books and publications for import to Arab countries.

"Books and publications about China's history, economic and cultural heritage are very popular in Kuwait and it's important for us to attend the ICIF which showcases the latest, up-to-date publications in China," said Al youha, who is responsible for antiquities, museums and engineering affairs in Kuwait, in an interview Thursday afternoon, shortly after a nine-hour flight to the city to attend the Fourth ICIF, which is to open Friday.

In Kuwait, some publications about China are very popular, with about 15,000 copies sold a month, according to Al youha. "This is a big number, considering Kuwait is a small country with a population of 3.5 million including 2.5 million expatriates," he said.

"China has longer and bigger civilization in culture side, and we will try to strengthen cooperation and cultural exchanges by learning from China."

During his five-day stay in Shenzhen, Al youha and his colleagues plan to visit the city's museums and music and cultural facilities to know more about the city and seek chances for cooperation.

Apart from cooperation in the publication field, Al youha hopes to have more dance and music exchanges between art troupes of two countries.

"Kuwait is not simply a country with oil. We have all aspects of culture and we expect more communication through the gate of culture," said Al youha.