French President Emmanuel Macron, during his visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, signed an executive program with French cultural institutions, marking a significant step forward in cultural collaboration between the two nations.
As part of the visit, Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan held discussions with France's Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati. The meetings centered on strengthening partnerships in various cultural domains, including heritage, museums, libraries, film and other creative sectors.
The executive program outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, focusing on initiatives such as artist training, archaeological surveys, and the organization of educational workshops. These activities aim to enhance cultural exchange, preserve global heritage and drive innovation in the arts.
The agreements were signed with several prominent French institutions:
National Monuments Center
Operator of Heritage and Cultural Real Estate Projects
French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research
Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Creation Industrielle
National Library of France
Grand Palais
National Center for Cinema and the Moving Image
National Institute of Cultural Heritage of France
The National School of Photography of Arles
These agreements represent a milestone in Saudi-French cultural relations, emphasizing a shared commitment to preserving and advancing cultural heritage on a global scale. The collaboration not only reinforces bilateral ties but also underscores the importance of cultural innovation and knowledge exchange in fostering mutual understanding.