KUALA LUMPUR: British heir to the throne Prince Charles kicked off his maiden visit to Malaysia by visiting the Islamic Arts Museum today.
The event was hosted by Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Charles toured the museum’s permanent gallery where he was briefed on various Islamic exhibitions by its head curator Dr Heba Nayel Barakat.
According to Heba, Charles was attentive during the walkabout around the museum and had asked many questions and shown a particular interest in calligraphy-themed exhibitions.
In a brief ceremony afterwards, Sultan Nazrin welcomed Charles to Malaysia and said the visit, in celebration of 60 years’ of bilateral relations between Malaysia and the United Kingdom, was a celebration of great occasion made more special by the visit.
Charles in his speech said he had always been fascinated by Malaysia’s rich cultural, religious and racial diversity which was something to be cherished and celebrated.
"The setting for today’s reception could hardly be more appropriate. The Islamic Arts Museum is the most wonderful celebration of the great diversity of traditions in Islamic arts, and the rich variety of influences that have shaped it over the centuries.
"I am particularly delighted that the museum has such strong connections with my own School of Traditional Arts which itself aims to ensure that traditional arts and skills continue to enrich our changing world."
Present was British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell.
The museum, Charles said served as a reminder of just how important it was for all societies to preserve and be proud of their cultural heritage.
Charles also wished a happy birthday to Sultan Nazrin, whose official birthday falls tomorrow.
During the ceremony, a gift from Charles to the museum, in the form of a framed signature of himself in calligraphy, was unveiled.
The museum gifted him a large calligraphy artwork of blue hues.
Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, are scheduled to visit a number of places in Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Sarawak and Penang, as well as participate in various events over seven days from Nov 2.