Egypt’s Minister of Culture Jehan Zaki said Egyptian-French cultural relations represent a distinguished model of cooperation based on mutual respect and a shared appreciation of the rich civilizational heritage of both countries.
She stressed the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to enhancing Egypt’s cultural presence internationally through cooperation with leading cultural institutions.
She made these remarks during her meeting on Wednesday in Paris with President of the Arab World Institute and former adviser to the French president, Anne-Claire Legendre.
The meeting aimed at expanding partnership opportunities in contemporary arts and cultural heritage preservation.
The minister described the Arab World Institute as one of the foremost platforms dedicated to promoting Arab civilization and highlighting its intellectual and artistic contributions.
She expressed the ministry’s interest in developing joint programmes and projects that showcase contemporary Egyptian culture while highlighting the richness and diversity of Egypt’s cultural heritage.
The meeting reviewed proposals for organizing joint exhibitions and cultural events, as well as expanding cooperation in music, the arts and intellectual activities to strengthen cultural exchange between Egyptian and French artists and institutions.
For her part, Legendre expressed enthusiasm for working with Egypt’s Ministry of Culture and Egyptian artists, particularly young creatives.
She affirmed the Arab World Institute’s interest in broadening cultural and artistic cooperation with Egypt.
She also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in cinema, noting that the institute’s library houses an important archive of Arab films, including a large collection of Egyptian productions.
This, she said, could pave the way for special events dedicated to Egyptian cinema in Paris.
Legendre further suggested making Arabic-subtitled films available for screening as part of cultural activities at Egypt’s network of cultural palaces, helping to deepen cultural exchange between the two countries.
