(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, launched French translations of his historical publications, at the Paris Opera House, during the Paris Book Fair.
The translated publications included the history of Al Qawassim in general and the history of Sharjah in particular, including Tale of A City - Volumes I and II, The Myth of Arab Piracy in the Gulf, and Power Struggles and Trade in the Gulf (1620-1820).
Dr Sheikh Sultan said: "I thank you for accepting our invitation to witness the signing ceremony of my books which have a special importance as they all revolve around the conflict between Britain and the other powers."
He thanked the French Republic, its people and President Emmanuel Macron for the warm hospitality he was received with, which attests to the distinguished ties between the two countries.
"The UAE appreciates and thanks the attention given to us and for giving us the opportunity to participate, with the true word, in light of the crises experienced by the countries of the world," added Dr Sheikh Sultan.
Sharjah Ruler our distinguished guest, says ex-French PM Jean Pierre-Raffarin, former prime minister of France, gave an inaugural speech during the book launch, in which he commended the high status of the emirate of Sharjah, its establishment of museums and theatres, and its great interest in arts, culture and literature, under the patronage of Dr Sheikh Sultan.
"In appreciation of what it has done, Sharjah has become a distinguished guest at the current edition of the Paris Book Fair."
Pierre-Raffarin highlighted the cultural and literary achievements of Sharjah, which qualified the emirate to win the titles of the 'Capital of Arab Culture' in 1998 and the 'Capital of Islamic Culture' in 2014 by the Unesco.
He praised the personality of Dr Sheikh Sultan, "a man of state, an intellectual and a historian who has presented many historical publications and literary works". He also said that Dr Sheikh Sultan has corrected many false information with his book The Myth of Arab Piracy in the Gulf.
Dr Sheikh Sultan also met with elite personalities in culture, creativity and publishing. They discussed literary and cultural issues in the Arab world and the world at large, as well as the Arab culture in the light of crisis and conflict, and ways to promote Arab culture and support intellectuals. The ceremony was attended by a number of senior officials, members of Arab diplomatic corps, chief editors of local media institutions, officials from local and federal departments as well as elite of intellectuals and publishers.
'Children's literature plays a big role' Children's books publishers play a "significant role" in building young generations capable of understanding other cultures, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, has said.
"Literature has the capacity to travel far and wide and helps us explore a world outside our own. The role of children's publishers is to publish material that has a positive, moral impact on children, helping them understand ethical and cultural values, and emphasise their role and duty towards humanity," said Sheikha Bodour as she addressed a panel discussion at the Paris Book Fair.
Sharjah is the special guest city at the 38th edition of the fair that ends tomorrow. Sheikha Bodour highlighted the "strategic outcomes" of Kalimat's recent collaboration with a number of foreign publishers, including France's Gallimard Jeunnesse. "The translation of our books across the world opens up new markets and gives us access to new readers."
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