BERN: The Libyan scholar Ibrahim Al-Koni has lauded the initiative by the eminent Kuwaiti writer and poet Sheikha Dr Suad Al-Sabah "Yom Al-Wafaa" (the faithfulness day) - honoring iconic Arab cultural personalities. Al-Koni lauded the initiative while he was being himself honored within framework of "Yom Al-Wafaa," sponsored by Sheikha Suad in Bern (October 31-November 1st).

He was handed an award on behalf of Sheikha Suad by Sheikha Shaimaa Al-Sabah. Jamal Al-Arbawi, the moderator of the ceremony, addressed a statement for Sheikha Suad, stating that the award is granted to "those who have sacrificed their eyes and ink" for creative works. The Kuwaiti Ambassador to Switzerland Yaaqoub Al-Sanad in remarks to KUNA thanked Sheikha Suad, for honoring Al-Koni, "a minaret of culture," in Bern, "the serene city of love and the hub of culture and literature."

He added that the broad presence of literature aficionados and scholars depicted Switzerland's interest in boosting relations with Kuwait at the cultural level. Organizations in Geneva, said Sheikha Suad has always been in the lead for honoring distinguished Arabs.

Kuwaiti permanent Ambassador to Geneva Naser Alhayen told KUNA on the ceremony's sidelines that he had responded to the attendance invitation in line with special concern by the Kuwaiti political leadership for culture. The honored Libyan scholar Al-Koni was born in Libya in 1948. He studied comparative literature in Russia, lived in several European countries before settling in Switzerland where he became a widely acclaimed novelist and writer with over 100 books. - KUNA