Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
The French Embassy in Qatar, in cooperation with Qatar National Library, inaugurated a pictorial exhibition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the strong bilateral diplomatic relations between Qatar and France.
The exhibition, which will run until October 31, was inaugurated at the Qatar National Library (QNL) on Monday by HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawairi, Minister of State and president of QNL, and French Ambassador to Qatar HE Jean-Baptiste Faivre.
The exhibition is showcasing an exclusive selection of photographs reflecting the strength of the relationship between the two countries.
The exhibition is designed as a journey through 50 years of bilateral relations in the political, economic, educational and cultural fields, as well as in defence and security. It brings together photographs taken during key moments of the last five decades, which forged the now well-established tradition of cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kawari said, “The close ties between Qatar and France provide a refined, exemplary model for international diplomatic relations based on mutual respect in various fields of politics, economics, education, sports, and culture.
“The French culture is a wide-ranging, rich and influencing. Therefore, we seek to enhance fruitful cooperation between Qatar National Library and French cultural institutions. The French Embassy, the French Museum and the French Institute in Doha have always been our partners in organising many key cultural events.”
Ambassador Faivre said that French Embassy in Qatar is honoured and grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this milestone anniversary at the library.
He said, “We are very pleased to showcase this exhibition of photographs, which shed a light on the deep and longstanding friendship between our two countries. France has been a friend of Qatar since 1971 and has played an important role in its development. I am proud of the opportunity to contribute to this endeavour and to the strengthening of our friendship. We are also proud of what we have achieved together over the past 50 years, while looking forward to the future with serenity to promote the values of peace, prosperity and sustainable development that we share.
Thanking Dr Kawari for hosting of the exhibition at Qatar National Library, the envoy said, “Dr Kawari is a friend of France and has greatly contributed to the ties that bind us. We are grateful to him.”
