Cultural projects to boost ties: French PM
abu dhabi — A new cultural initiative announced on Saturday will aim to strengthen the longstanding and successful relationship between the UAE and France. The UAE-France Cultural Dialogue 2018 was unveiled at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in the presence of Edouard Philippe, Prime Minister of France, and Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development.
Several events in France will raise the profile of the UAE, its people and artists, said Philippe.
The French Prime Minister highlighted that the long-standing relationship between the UAE and France was built on solid foundations by the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in 1971.
Philippe took a tour of the parts of the museum that reflects the perfect harmony between East and West cultures, as well as the UAE’s message of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and openness to the world’s cultures.
He discussed with Al Kaabi ways to expand the scope of mutual cultural collaborations in line with the Year of Zayed and Sheikh Zayed’s vision for a brighter future. The launch of the UAEFrance Cultural Dialogue 2018 is testament to this, he said.
Philippe said: “I have just discovered an exceptional museum, with its architecture and originality. Three months ago, this museum was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; and French President, Emmanuel Macron.
“This was the fruit of 10 years of exceptional cooperation between France and the UAE. The result, as you can see, reflects our common ambition to utilise culture in better understanding the world and its diversity.”
Talking about the introduction of teaching French in Emirati schools, he explained: “Language is the bond that unites us, each in his own language.”
On the UAE-France Cultural Dialogue 2018, Philippe said art, artificial intelligence, cultural heritage preservation and promotion of the French and Arabic languages are priority areas for both countries. “We also support common French and Emirati values such as youth, innovation and creativity.”
Al Kaabi reiterated that the significant initiative reflects the strong cultural, economic and political ties between the UAE and France. “In line with our continuous efforts to ensure cultural development, the UAE-France future cooperation will include empowering talents, promoting values of creativity, innovation and artificial intelligence with a particular focus on the UAE’s youth community.”