KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is committed to promoting arts and culture, and will continue enhancing constructive arts and cultural engagements, regionally and internationally.

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said Malaysia would always strive in putting the nation in the eyes of not only Asia, but also the world.

Citing the 8th World Summit on Arts and Culture here which kicked off yesterday and will end on Thursday, he said it was a historic moment for Malaysia as this was the first time the summit was being held in the country.

"It is indeed a great honour and privilege for Malaysia to host this auspicious event, which will strengthen diplomatic relations and friendship, amongst the participating countries.

"The world summit is an important platform that gathers policy makers, researchers and practitioners from around the world, to address key issues of public policy and support for the arts and culture," he said in his welcoming remarks here today.

Mohamaddin said the international summit was aimed at opening ways for new thoughts, pathways and solutions by supporting the arts and culture.

"It provides opportunities for collaboration and exchange between regional cultural organisations and the government sector, which will enhance arts and culture within and across boundaries.

"This summit is able to strengthen international interaction and collaboration in the arts and cultural fraternity by addressing the key issues raised and discussed under the theme, 'Mobile Minds: Culture, Knowledge and Change'," he said.

He also stressed that Malaysia would continue to offer much improved value-for-money products to all tourists visiting the country.

The 8th World Summit on Arts and Culture 2019 is held at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre from March 11 to 14. It is co-hosted by the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA) and the National Department for Culture and Arts, Malaysia, with the participation of more than 60 countries. - BERNAMA