Sarkozy Advocates Teaching Arabic In Schools

This gathering, initiated by Convergence Méditerranée and the Institut du Monde Arabe (Institute of the Arab World, pictured above left) saw a great number of ambassadors from Arabic countries, as well as representatives from the worlds of business, culture, education, research and professional associations come together to examine and discuss the socio-cultural, political and economic ramifications connected to the project. Their first concerns revolved around a shared identity, the transmission of a common heritage and the building of bridges to facilitate an intercultural dialogue and a mutually beneficial rapprochement.

In his message to the participants, French President Nicolas Sarkozy called Arabic the "language of the future, of science and of modernity," and expressed the hope that "more French people share in the language that expresses great civilizational and spiritual values."

The French leader recalled that the idea for the meeting had been announced last December, in Constantine, during his State visit to Algeria.

"We must invest in the Arabic language (because) to teach it symbolizes a moment of exchange, of openness and of tolerance, (and it) brings with it one of the oldest and most prestigious civilizations of the world. It is in France that we have the greatest number of persons of Arabic and Muslim origin. Islam is the second religion of France," Sarkozy reminded his listeners.