Sharjah and France have discussed ways to strengthen collaboration between Sharjah and French cities, particularly in cultural tourism and the creative industries.
Media reports said Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Government Relations (DGR), recently met Nathalie Kennedy, Consul General of the French Republic in Dubai, to explore this collaboration.
The meeting, held in Sharjah’s House of Wisdom, also witnessed the participation of Marie-Laure Charrier, Deputy Consul-General of the French Republic in Dubai.
Sheikh Fahim accompanied the officials on a tour of the House of Wisdom, an iconic cultural edifice and a modern-day interpretation of a social hub and cultural center for collective learning, built as a lasting legacy of Sharjah’s nomination as the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2019, the reports said.
The DGR Chairman said, “Strengthening cultural relationships between Sharjah and cities around the world that champion knowledge and creativity form the basis of the emirate’s efforts towards achieving the goals of its cultural project.”
“France’s pioneering experience in supporting the development of art, literature and culture is exemplary. We are keen on exploring potential opportunities with French cities that will lead us to fruitful and mutually beneficial collaborations in a variety of sectors, particularly cultural tourism and the creative industries,” he said.
Kennedy praised Sharjah’s vibrant cultural project and the emirate’s quest to promote public libraries and support creative talents and artists in the UAE and beyond through key collaborations with cultural entities dedicated to nurturing their skills and connecting them with their global peers.
She also noted that Sharjah is a pioneering cultural tourism destination and a leading hub for investment in creative industries, the reports said.