Paris: The upcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron for the grand opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi on November 11 demonstrates the advanced level reached by the UAE-France strategic relations in cultural and educational fields, said Jean-Michel Blanquer, the French Minister of National Education.
''The distinct bilateral ties, close co-ordination in foreign policy and identical stances of the two friendly countries towards a wide range of international issues have facilitated the launch of joint activity and the emergence of an iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi,'' the French minister said in a statement to state news agency, WAM, ahead of the opening of the landmark museum.
''We are proud to spread the human culture and civilisation through Louvre,'' he added, stressing the importance for Abu Dhabi and Paris to continue joint co-operation in cultural and educational areas.
''We are extremely delighted with the birth of Louvre Abu Dhabi and even our friends in the UAE are happy to have this cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi. I think it will serve our mutual interests and aspirations to make our people happy and open up the road for cultural interaction. Those who live in Abu Dhabi and around will be fortunate to see the richest masterpieces in the world,'' he concluded.
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a universal museum on Saadiyat Island that exhibits art and artefacts from ancient times to the present day.
Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum contains 23 permanent galleries, special exhibition spaces, a children's museum, an auditorium, restaurants, retail outlets and a research centre.
Surrounded by the sea, the buildings are connected by waterfront promenades beneath the museum's stunning dome.
Born out of a unique inter-governmental agreement between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France in 2007, Louvre Abu Dhabi has developed a rich collection of works from throughout human history and around the world, brought together to highlight universal themes and influences.
To date, Louvre Abu Dhabi has acquired more than 600 artworks, exhibited alongside 300 works on loan from 13 leading French institutions.
