The Cuban Embassy in Qatar in cooperation with the Cultural Village Foundation - KATARA, inaugurated a mural by famed Cuban artist Maisel Lopez Valdes. The work is entitled "Cuban and Qatari friends" and was unveiled on Monday, October 3, a few weeks before the opening of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The Cuban Ministry of Culture and its National Council of Plastic Arts also contributed to the execution of this beautiful initiative.
The event was chaired by Dr. Khalid Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, General Manager of the prestigious cultural institution Cultural Village Foundation - KATARA and the Cuban Ambassador to the sister nation of Qatar, Oscar Leon Gonzalez. Also in attendance were ambassadors from other countries accredited in Doha, a representation of the Cuban Medical Staff in Qatar, and other guests and friends.
The Cuban Envoy stressed that the work represents the interaction between two cultures that dialogue through the passion of two friends for soccer. He drew attention to its inauguration a few weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup, an event in which peace, friendship, and solidarity will be reasons for celebration.
For his part, artist Maisel Lopez Valdés acknowledged the importance of the cultural collaboration between Cuba and Qatar and expressed his satisfaction with being able to paint a new mural of his "Colossus" series in the beautiful Middle Eastern country. He stressed that the image of two children playing with a soccer ball is a universal language that summarizes feelings of solidarity and fraternity. He also thanked the authorities of the Cultural Village Foundation - KATARA for allowing him to create his work in such a prestigious institution.
The inauguration of the mural is also part of the actions that the Cuban Embassy in Qatar is carrying out to celebrate Cuban Culture Day.
Doha, 3 October 2022
Press & Culture Office
Embassy of Cuba in Qatar