On the occasion of the French National Day, I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to the people of France. This celebration comes at a time when the relationship between our two countries is standing on solid ground, firmly established by both our leaderships. 

Starting in the 1920s, what has now become an unwavering friendship began with the establishment and exchange of diplomatic missions. These exchanges were a turning point, and major steps have followed their establishments that have paved the way in bringing our people closer. An example of this was when President Charles de Gaulle received the late King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz in 1967, and the exceptional ties that have always connected the leaders of our two countries ever since.

Another example of our strong culture relations is the Arab World Institute in Paris. In fact, the foundation stone of this institute was jointly laid by King Khaled bin Abdul Aziz and former French President Valery Giscard d’Estaing in 1980. The institute was established with a vision for it to serve as a bridge connecting Arab and French cultures, and a link between East and West. Several innovative projects and strategic partnerships also followed. 

However, it was with the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Paris in 2018 that the bilateral relation received a massive push forward. Backed by King Salman, the crown prince is leading an ambitious and massive journey of reform and development in our country. Indeed, his 2018 Paris visit fostered what can be described as a new chapter in Saudi-French relations. 

Ever since that visit, relations have reached new heights in areas of culture, heritage and education. This has been reflected in the joint archaeological excavations and cooperation on the cultural, environmental, touristic, business and heritage development levels at one of the world’s most important heritage sites, AlUla. Together, we are working to present AlUla as a unique model on the world tourism map.

Furthermore, many Saudi students are currently enrolled in France’s most prestigious schools. Similarly, my country has opened its doors to tourists by granting visas to those who wish to visit our Kingdom and discover its archaeological treasures and cultural diversity.

Another indicator of the deepening cultural exchanges on the public level is the rising numbers of Saudis who are studying French, and French citizens who are learning Arabic. What will strengthen this even further is the recent establishment of a Saudi governmental body that promotes and encourages translation — a step that will surely build additional bridges of understanding. 

As such, the opportunities ahead are enormous in light of the massive developments in the field of communication, and despite the current and serious challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Equipped with a determined leadership, we will continue to strengthen this partnership. And given that strong cultural alliances impact everyone, it is needless to say that our partnership will not only benefit the Saudi and French peoples, but the region and the whole world too. After all, human values are what unite us. 

Finally, I would like to congratulate Arab News for launching its new French digital edition. I hope this new edition extends communication bridges between the Arab and French cultures even further, and serves as a new and important window of understanding between our peoples. 

Once again, I wish France further prosperity, growth and development, and that with each passing year our friendship grows even stronger and deeper.

  • Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud is Saudi Arabia’s minister of culture.