Doha: The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari has received the French Order of Merit in Arts and Letters, the highest recognition of his efforts and support towards dialogue between the Arab and French cultures.
Jack Lang, President of the Paris-based Arab World Institute (AWI) and former minister of education and culture, presented the order to Al Kuwari on behalf of French Minister of Culture Aurelie Filippetti. The ceremony was held at the residence of the French Ambassador, Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, attended by Arab and foreign ambassadors and senior officials.
Lang said Dr Al Kuwari received the highest order of merit for his efforts to support the French culture in Qatar and enhance cultural dialogue between both countries and his achievements in service of the Qatari culture.
France has nominated Lang as President of AWI, a museum devoted to art of the Arab world which also presents performances and educational programmes.
Praising the cultural renaissance in Qatar, Lang highlighted the cultural role of Quarter Foundation and Qatar National Museum.
He said officials in Qatar praise the French language and culture and the French people, highlighting Qatar’s role in establishing AWI and Dr Al Kuwari’s efforts during the francophonic conference 2012 when Qatar was selected as a member of International Organisation of La Francophonie.
The Minister said, “I thank the French President, Francois Hollande, for giving me this award and Mr Jack Lang for bestowing it upon me.”
Previously, Dr Al Kuwari was awarded the Order of Merit by former president Valery Giscard d’Estaing and the Order of the Legion of Honor by former president Francoise Mitterrand.
He said the Order of Arts and Letters is important because it relates to the culture that has stature among nations in achieving peace, mutual respect and constructive interaction between peoples to serve overall relations.
He said Qatar firmly believes in the role of culture and has provided state organs with all means to play their role.
QNA
