Sharjah's Department Of Government Relations Establishes Alliance Française In Emirate

(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))

SHARJAH, 22nd September, 2022 (WAM) -- Sharjah's Department of government Relations (DGR) announced the establishment of 'Alliance Française' at its Sharjah headquarters, in the presence of sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR and Alliance Française Sharjah, and Xavier Chatel, the Republic of France Ambassador to the UAE.

By adding a new centre to the UAE's vibrant Alliance Française network, Sharjah has crossed a major milestone in realising the vision that H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and ruler of Sharjah, set for the emirate's overarching cultural project, while also advancing the nation's offerings in foreign linguistics and culture.

On the sidelines of the announcement, the French embassy and Alliance Française's Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah branches have also signed a partnership agreement, to advance expertise and knowledge exchange amongst them, enable French schools and cultural institutions in UAE to benefit from the leadership of the organisation while teaching French, and supporting their experiences with the latest tools and methodologies used in practicing and achieving of mastery over the language.

Ultimately, the agreement seeks to offer all parties concerned a common professional ground to enhance Emirati-French relations, particularly in areas of digital technology and entrepreneurship, as well as raise the level of professionalism of French teachers and linguists in these institutions through expert consultations, experience and expertise sharing, and follow-ups on joint projects in various sectors.

The announcement was attended by Nathalie Kennedy, Consul-General of the French Republic in Dubai; Sheikh Majid Bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director, DGR; Marie-Laure Charrier, Deputy Consul-General of France to the UAE; Hussain Al Jaziri, President, Alliance Française, Dubai; and Sultan Al Hajji, President of Alliance Française, Abu Dhabi.

During his keynote speech, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi said, 'We are pleased to sign this agreement, which further strengthens the close friendship between Sharjah and French cities. This partnership complements our joint efforts in scientific, cultural, human and economic fields, and represents a step forward towards bolstering bilateral relations.'

For his part, Xavier Chatel stated, 'The achievement we witnessed today is the culmination of significant efforts - those that will serve as the hub for future exchanges between French and Emirati cultures. We have close cultural relations with Sharjah which is home to the first French school in the UAE, and has an advanced academic infrastructure that is open to other cultures. This agreement certainly paves the way for more cooperation in educational and cultural sectors.'

Through the new cultural centre, DGR aims to provide French language learning opportunities, knowledge about distinguished francophone authors, intellectuals and cultural achievements, and access to renowned literary works, and a platform for cultural exchange.

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