The Kuwaiti Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs is working hard to promote the original Islamic culture and joint action worldwide, the ministry's Assistant Undersecretary of for Cultural Affairs Khleif Al-Othayna said yesterday. The ministry aims to establish Kuwait as a beacon of Islamic culture and arts, he told reporters here in the run-up to 5th International Forum for Islamic Art. The forum will open at the Grand Mosque of Kuwait on Dec 25 and last until Jan 7 under auspices of Kuwaiti Minister of Social Affairs, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and Minister of State for Housing Affairs, Mohammad Al-Nomes, with large number of local and foreign Islamic institutions. Al-Othayna highlighted the importance of raise awareness about the Muslims' outstanding contributions to the promotion of all aspects of human civilization throughout history. "The ministry has always worked to activate the moderation approach and realize the role of Islamic arts in social development," he pointed out. He added that the forum was able over the last few years to build bridges of communication among the Islamic institutions worldwide, noting that more than 65 representatives of such institu tions will take part in this year's event.