Deputy Minister for Culture and Arts Stresses the Need to Prioritise Public Needs and Work Together for National Development

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Tayebi, Deputy Minister for Culture and Arts at the Ministry of Information and Culture, made the remarks during a meeting with officials of the Shanti Organisation at his office. The meeting was also attended by Dr Rafiullah Samim, Director of Public Libraries; Shafiq Ahmadzai, Director of Foreign Relations and Cultural Attachés; and advisers to the Deputy Ministry for Culture and Arts.

During the meeting, Shanti Organisation officials outlined their completed and ongoing activities, explaining that the organisation works to establish and equip public libraries in various provinces. They highlighted its efforts to promote a culture of reading, particularly through the establishment of libraries for children. Several children's public libraries are currently operating in different provinces, serving hundreds of young readers.

The officials emphasised that fostering children's intellectual development is fundamental to strengthening a reading culture and supporting the country's academic progress.

They also acknowledged the cooperation of the Directorate of Public Libraries in establishing public libraries and announced plans to construct a new, standard public library building in Chahar Asyab district of Kabul. They stressed that the Ministry's support would be essential to the project.

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Tayebi welcomed the organisation's completed and ongoing activities, expressing appreciation for its work. He said that promoting national development and strengthening the public's educational capacity were shared responsibilities, adding that priorities must be properly identified and educational services directed towards areas where they are most needed. He reaffirmed the Ministry's readiness to provide the necessary cooperation.

Mr Tayebi further noted that conditions for the country's reconstruction and development were now more favourable than ever, urging all institutions and organisations to intensify their efforts and devote their financial and human resources to the country's fundamental development.

At the end of the meeting, Shanti Organisation officials requested that the Deputy Minister visit the organisation's public libraries during his trips to different provinces.

Shanti is a Japanese organisation that works on a voluntary basis in education, the establishment and equipping of public libraries, assistance to migrants, and disaster response.

22 Jumada al-Awwal 1448 
03 November 2026