Sharjah 24: Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, received His Excellency Jean-Christophe Paris, Consul General of the French Republic in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, along with Ilhami Gulcen, Deputy Consul General of France, during an official visit to the Alliance Française and the House of Wisdom.
The two sides explored strengthening collaboration, promoting French language education, and advancing cultural initiatives to deepen understanding and exchange between Francophone and Arab cultures.
Alliance Française in Sharjah
The French delegation toured the Ecole Française Internationale - Sharjah, home to the Alliance Française established in September 2022 through a partnership between the DGR and the French Embassy. Accompanied by Sharjah Asset Management representatives, the delegation was briefed on its activities to promote French language education and support institutions and schools offering French language programmes with innovative teaching methods and resources.
House of Wisdom
The delegation also visited the House of Wisdom, exploring key facilities, including the Al-Jazari Lab, the House of Wisdom Library, children's spaces, the Ladies' Diwan, and event halls. The visit also included a guided tour of Rumi: 750 Years of Absence exhibition... Eight Centuries of Presence, which opened on Monday, November 18.
Strengthening bilateral relations
Commenting on the visit, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi reaffirmed Sharjah's commitment to fostering international collaboration, "DGR is committed to forging strategic partnerships with global institutions, which are integral to strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and academic connections in line with Sharjah's vision of creating lasting bridges for dialogue, mutual respect, and international cooperation."
Cultural Initiatives in Sharjah and France
This visit continues a series of cultural collaborations between Sharjah and France. Earlier this year, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, President of the Alliance Française of Sharjah, ratified the 'Charter of the Alliance Française' in Paris. The initiative seeks to foster cultural dialogue with Francophone communities and organise events reflecting the shared values and cultural diversity of Sharjah and France.
Key Initiatives and Future Collaborations
DGR has spearheaded several initiatives in partnership with the Alliance Française to deepen educational and cultural exchanges with France, including the global launch of the Tivi5 Monde educational and entertainment app for children, participation in the UAE Schools & Nurseries Exhibition, and the introduction of French language courses at the House of Wisdom and the American University of Sharjah.
This visit also marked His Excellency Jean-Christophe Paris's first official trip to Sharjah since assuming his post in September. Discussions included plans for future initiatives to expand Franco-Arab collaboration, reinforce Sharjah's role as a hub for cultural exchange, and support educational programmes aligned with the emirate's vision for fostering global understanding.
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