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MINISTER MEETS WITH FRENCH FORMER COUNTERPART

  • Date:2013-02-20
MINISTER MEETS WITH FRENCH FORMER COUNTERPART

Taiwan's Culture Minister Lung Ying-tai was given a warm welcome Wednesday by Jack Lang, a former culture minister ofFrancewho is now president of the Arab World Institute (IMA).


Hosting a reception at the IMA building, Lang introduced Lung as an 'outstanding woman and talented writer' who is devoted to promoting bold arts and cultural policies.


Also attending the event was Catherine Tasca, another ofFrance's former culture ministers, who currently serves as vice president of the French Senate and chairs a pro-Taiwan group there.


Lung said she was very happy to meet so many important people at the event, which she said further opened the door of friendship between the two sides.


Lang proposed that exchanges be conducted between the IMA andTaiwan'sNationalPalaceMuseum, which houses a collection of Arab artifacts that are kept as part of various Chinese emperors' treasures, adding that she will pass on the information to the management of theNationalPalaceMuseumafter her return toTaiwan.


Through cooperation with the IMA,Taiwanmight be able to establish contact with artists from the Arab world, Lung suggested.
The IMA was founded in1980 inParisby 18 Arab countries as a research hub for Arab culture and spirituality. The institute also promotes cooperation and exchanges betweenFranceand the Arab nations as part of efforts to boost dialogue and mutual understanding.


Earlier in the day, Lung paid a visit to the headquarters of the French-German TV network Arte and discussed cooperation plans withTaiwanwith Arte General Director Anne Durupty.


Among the proposals discussed was sending Taiwanese students to Arte on internships, an idea that was readily accepted by Durupty. In addition, Lung raised the possibility of Arte jointly producing TV shows withTaiwan's Public Television Service and making a special program for the Taiwan-France Cultural Award next February.


Lung, who began her visit toFranceon Feb. 17, co-hosted this year's award ceremony that was held on Feb.18 inParis.