Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has congratulated the city of Saida for its designation, alongside Córdoba (Spain), as the “Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2027.”
“Saida, the gateway to the South and a regional capital connected to all of Lebanon, reaffirms its historic role in culture, dialogue, and diversity,” the president said. He also emphasized that the recognition is “a source of pride for Lebanon, especially in the current circumstances.”
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi, who led the Lebanese delegation at the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) ministerial meetings held on the sidelines of the Forum of Mediterranean Cities in Barcelona, described the designation as “a positive signal for Lebanon,” coinciding with the anticipated historic visit of Pope Leo XIV. He added that Saida “confirms that Lebanon remains a bridge where East and West meet around the values of culture and peace.”
Saida’s mayor, Mustafa Hijazi, will contribute to the development of a joint program with Córdoba focused on intercultural dialogue, sustainability, and the protection of tangible and intangible heritage.
Both cities will also implement institutional exchanges and artistic and educational projects aimed at strengthening ties between their local communities and creating a platform for cooperation among artists, researchers, and students. The selection of Saida and Córdoba continues a program launched with Alexandria (Egypt) and Tirana (Albania) for 2025, followed by Tangier (Morocco) and Matera (Italy) for 2026, placing these cities at the heart of Mediterranean cultural diplomacy and East-West intercultural exchanges.
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