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Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed with Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte at the entrance of the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Image Credit: AFP

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, emphasised that Louvre Abu Dhabi is a milestone in the distinguished relations between the UAE and France, particularly on a cultural level.

In a statement on the occasion of the inauguration, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed said: “The message we convey to the world with the inauguration of this global cultural monument in the UAE is that culture was, and always will be, a bridge for communication and dialogue between peoples and civilisations, and not a source of conflict as is imagined by extremists.”

Shaikh Mohammad stressed that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, gives culture great attention in the nation’s development process and foreign relations. He said that this approach made the UAE an exemplary cultural hub in the region and a model that encourages dialogue between civilisations and openness to cultures, as well as a home for global scientific and cultural monuments.

“Louvre Abu Dhabi sends a positive message, one that originates from the UAE to the rest of world: We are capable of creating hope for people in the region, despite the wars and conflicts over the past few years,” said Shaikh Mohammad.

Shaikh Mohammad added: “Today represents a prominent mark in our relations and the history of humanity, a symbol for the deep relations between the UAE and France that links civilisations with a single global venture. It represents what culture can offer for peace, cooperation and coexistence around the world.”

Shaikh Mohammad concluded: “We want peace-loving communities, generations that are tolerant and coexist in harmony, and values of peace, love and harmony. We look forward to a better life for all people around the world; a life that is based on love and respect.”