Qatari-French Joint Cultural Committee Meets

Paris, May 28 (QNA) - The Qatari-French joint cultural committee met Thursday under the co-chairmanship of HE Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, who heads Qatar's delegation, and the French Minister of Culture and Communication Fleur Pellerin. The meeting took place in the framework of the cultural agreement that was signed between the two countries during HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to France last year and French president's visit to Doha this year. Qatar's delegation included representatives of Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), Katara Cultural Village, and Qatar National Library. In his speech at the meeting, HE Al Kuwari expressed Qatar's pride to belong to the Arab and Islamic civilization, stressing that Qatar appreciates French culture, which excelled in arts, literature, heritage and science. he added that Qatar's appreciation of French culture culminated in joining the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF) as an associate member thanks to its excellent ties and the desire to develop relations in the cultural field in particular. The minister reviewed Qatar's interest in French culture through educational and cultural projects in Doha, highlighting that many citizens are seeking to learn the French language, pointing out the presence of three French institutions in Qatar in addition to French speaking radio Oryx FM. Dr. Al Kuwari said the ministry continues its work in promoting cultural exchange through translation of reference books from French into Arabic language and Qatari writers' works from Arabic into French. He expressed his hope that the visit will strengthen cultural ties between the two friendly countries, especially since the accompanying delegation comprises cultural institutions and active players and covers the whole cultural spectrum. HE Dr. Al Kuwari invited Pellerin to visit Qatar to boost friendly relations between the two countries. (QNA)