Saudi Arabia has been a meeting point of cultures and civilizations for centuries and is proud of its stature as the heartland of Islam, said Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).

He made the comment in the keynote address at the opening ceremony of a Saudi heritage show at the Vittoriano Museum in Rome on Thursday.

“Saudi Arabia is not simply a land of oil. Of course, it is blessed with a lot of natural resources and the government has been using this wealth for the welfare of its citizens. It’s also the birthplace of Islam and the land of the Two Holy Mosques,” he said.

Prince Sultan criticized those who underestimate Saudi Arabia’s cultural significance. “They are like people who are ignorant of Italy’s great history and culture and say it’s merely a country of fashion and sports cars,” he said.

The SCTA chief highlighted his organization’s efforts to preserve and promote the country’s heritage. “We are proud of our rich heritage and culture, especially the Islamic culture and civilization that sprouted in our country and spread all over the world.”

The exhibition, which was held to mark 80 years of Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic relations with Italy, was jointly opened by Prince Sultan, Rome Mayor Ignazio Romino and Italian Minister of Culture Massimo Bray. The opening ceremony was attended by Saudi Assistant Foreign Minister Prince Khaled bin Saud, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Labo Bestely and Saudi Ambassador to Rome Saleh Al-Ghamdi.

Prince Sultan highlighted the historic relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy. “Our relations are based on mutual respect.” He referred to the discovery of an old Roman ship in Saudi waters close to Qunfudah. “This reflects the longstanding relations between Italy and the Arabian Peninsula.” He said the SCTA was using the expertise of foreign archaeologists including Italians to find antiquities.

Prince Sultan also highlighted the remarkable progress made by Saudi Arabia in various fields, including education and health. “Saudis are determined to take their nation to greater heights of progress and prosperity and match them (the achievements) with developed countries,” he said.

The exhibition entitled "Saudi Arabia: Crossroad of Civilizations" showcases 164 relics dating to different historical periods. The show will continue in Rome until Nov. 30.

The exhibition also aims to highlight the depth and strength of Saudi-Italian relations, which go back to 1932. Italy was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Kingdom. In 1933, Italy officially opened a consulate in Jeddah and the two countries later signed an agreement to expand bilateral cooperation.

Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Ghabban, vice president of the SCTA for antiquities and museums, had signed an agreement with Vittoriano officials at the Saudi Embassy in Rome to host the show.