Abu Dhabi: A new cultural initiative, UAE-France Cultural Dialogue 2018, that will endeavour to continue to strengthen the long-standing and fruitful relationship between the two countries was announced on Saturday.
This ongoing affiliation was reaffirmed during the inauguration, which took place at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a creative impetus which reflects strategic partnerships, a strong economic bond and projects in the fields of culture and education.
The inauguration was attended by Edouard Philippe, Prime Minister of France, Noora Mohammad Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, and Zaki Nussaibah, Minister of State.
During the visit, the French prime minister highlighted that the long-standing relationship between the UAE and France was built on solid foundations laid by the founding father, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in 1971.
As part of the visit, Philippe took a tour of the elements of the museum that reflect the perfect harmony between cultures of the East and West, as well as the UAE’s message of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and openness to the world’s cultures.
Philippe and Al Kaabi discussed the scope of cultural collaborations in line with the Year of Zayed and the Founding Father’s vision for a brighter future. The launch of the UAE-France Cultural Dialogue 2018 is a testament to this.
Following the tour, Philippe said, “I have just discovered an exceptional museum, with its architecture and originality. Three months ago, the museum was inaugurated by French President Emmanuel Macron, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. It was the fruit of ten years of exceptional cooperation between France and the UAE.”
Talking about the introduction of teaching French in Emirati schools, he explained, “Language is the bond that unites us, each in his own language.”
The French prime minister added, “I am pleased to announce with Noora Al Kaabi the launch of UAE-France Cultural Dialogue 2018. I would also like to highlight that art, artificial intelligence, cultural heritage preservation, in addition to the promotion of French and Arabic, are priority areas in our countries. We also support common French and Emirati values such as youth, innovation and creativity.
“This collaboration comes in line with the Year of Zayed 2018, to renew the long-standing relationship initiated by Shaikh Zayed in 1971. Several events in France will raise the profile of the United Arab Emirates, its people and artists,” he added.
Al Kaabi reiterated that the significant initiative reflects the strong cultural, economic and political ties between the UAE and France. It also highlights the ongoing mutual cultural development and embodies the global position of the UAE.
The launch of the UAE-France Cultural Dialogue highlights mutual efforts of cooperation in the fields of youth, creativity, innovation, knowledge exchange and the position of Arabic language. “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,” she explained.
The year of the Emirati-French cultural dialogue will include ‘Co-Lab: contemporary art and savoir-faire’ at Louvre Abu Dhabi, an exhibition which showcases the result of a collaborative project giving the opportunity to four UAE-based artists to work with four historical French manufacturers, and ‘From One Louvre to Another’, an exhibition which narrates through more than 150 masterpieces the birth of the Louvre museum, from the end of 17th century to 19th century, relying on the collections of the Louvre as well as those of the Versailles palace.
