French PM launches UAE-France Cultural Dialogue

Abu Dhabi  :  A six-month series of cultural collaborations between the UAE and France was launched in Abu Dhabi on Saturday by French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.

The inauguration, attended by the UAE's Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development Noura Al Kaabi and Minister of State Zaki Nusseibeh, was held at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Under the UAE-France Cultural Dialogue 2018, numerous festivals, exhibitions and educational initiatives will be held in both countries in a bid to promote cross-cultural exchange.

Philippe spoke of the long-standing relationship between the two countries initiated by the UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed in 1971.

Philippe toured the museum and discussed with Al Kaabi ways to expand the scope of mutual cultural collaborations.

"This was the fruit of 10 years of exceptional co-operation 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," he said.

He also addressed the UAE's plans to reintroduce French language classes in Emirati schools for the first time since 1988, the opening of an Arabic language learning centre at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and plans for other initiatives to promote Arabic teaching in schools and learning centres in France. 

"Language is the bond that unites us, each in his own language," he said.

Al Kaabi said the joint government initiative -- which coincides with the Year of Zayed -- would involve empowering talents, promoting values of creativity, innovation and artificial intelligence with a particular focus on the UAE's youth community.