Representing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah inaugurated historical exhibitions here on Tuesday. In a keynote speech at the opening of the event, the minister said Kuwait cherished its Islamic heritage and ancient monuments, citing as a relevant clear-cut example the holding of four historical and monumental exhibitions at Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah (DAI). "Kuwait began its cultural renaissance over a hundred years back. It cherishes its Islamic heritage and ancient monuments," the minister said. "Unless we maintain our heritage, there will be no future for us. Our heritage marks our freedom that distinguishes us from others and even compels others to respect us and gets us closer to them," he said. He appreciated the efforts of DAI Director General and Co-founder Sheikha Hessa Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah in the organizing of historical exhibitions both at home and abroad. The minister hoped that the goals of such events would be notched up, wishing that an Arab and Islamic strategy could be fleshed out soon in order to disseminate Arab and Islamic heritage and culture worldwide. For her part, Sheikha Hessa addressed the event by saying that such exhibitions mark much appreciation for the wonderful past achievements. She boasted that Kuwait has a selected and wonderful collection of monuments that reflect its significant cultural interaction with the world. The museums of friendly and brotherly countries, notably Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Greece, are partaking in the historical exhibition, Sheikha Hessa pointed out. "This participation reminds that heritage is a human outgrowth and a message from the past to the future as well as a language that can be understood and received by everybody," she said. Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Maldives President's wife Ilham Hussain, Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Dr. Seyed Mohammad Hosseini and Bahraini Minister of Culture Sheikha Mai Al Khalifa attended the opening ceremony of the event.