RIYADH: French President Emmanuel Macron visited the historic At-Turaif district in Diriyah on Tuesday during his official trip to Saudi Arabia, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Hosted by Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the visit highlighted the district’s historical significance as the birthplace of the Saudi state and its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Macron and his delegation explored At-Turaif, attended a horse show, and toured the Diriyah Museum, SPA added.
The visit also showcased the growing cultural collaboration between Saudi Arabia and France, which reached a milestone with the signing of nine executive programs aimed at advancing cultural heritage, museums, libraries, and cinema.
Among the agreements, Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission partnered with French institutions to enhance site management, restoration, and archaeological research.
The Museums Commission also signed agreements to facilitate exhibition exchanges, provide training programs for professionals, and expand expertise in photography.
In the libraries sector, an agreement with the National Library of France will focus on preserving Islamic and Arabic manuscripts while sharing knowledge on their management.
In the field of cinema, Saudi Arabia’s Film Authority entered a partnership with the French National Center for Cinema and Moving Images to support the development of Saudi talent, preserve cinematic heritage, and encourage joint productions.
