Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab
States, welcomed the distinguished Iraqi poet and writer Ahmed Shawqi
Abdel-Amir, the newly appointed Director-General of the Arab World
Institute in Paris, at the League’s General Secretariat.
Gamal Roshdy, the spokesman for the Secretary-General, said Mr.
Aboul Gheit congratulated Abdel-Amir on his appointment to lead this
significant cultural institution, acknowledging his illustrious career
in serving Arab culture in both his homeland and the broader Arab world.
Mr. Aboul Gheit listened to Abdel-Amir's presentation of his vision
for the institute's role in the upcoming phase. He outlined his plan to
enhance its activities, aiming to fortify cultural ties between France
and the Arab world, counter extremist ideologies on both fronts, and
foster a realm of cultural synergy and integration between these two
ancient cultures.
Roshdy quoted the League's Secretary-General highlighting the
significance of the current era, marked by the ascent of right-wing
movements in the Western world, characterised by their hostility towards
values of openness and acceptance of others. He also underscored the
impactful context of the brutal war on Palestinians in Gaza, resulting
in an unprecedented surge of anger and a perceived lack of justice
within the international system, resonating among Arab, Islamic, and
Southern nations at large.
Mr. Aboul Gheit emphasised that the Arab culture has played a
pivotal role in shaping the global civilisation throughout history and
continues to do so. He highlighted the Arab World Institute in Paris as a
crucial hub for disseminating this cherished culture, showcasing its
contributions, strengths, and uniqueness.
The official spokesman conveyed that Abdel-Amir expressed gratitude
to the Secretary-General for the League of Arab States' support,
notably through the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Paris, which
facilitated his appointment to this significant position. He also
expressed his commitment to fostering coordination and collaboration
with the League to advance collective Arab initiatives.
