ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: France will extend technical assistance to Pakistan in conservation of archaeological sites and enhance mutual cooperation in the fields of literature, arts and culture.
This was agreed by the Prime Minister’s Advisor on National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH) Irfan Siddiqui and the French Ambassador to Pakistan Marc BARETY during a meeting held in Islamabad on Tuesday to discuss the matters of mutual interests.
Irfan Siddiqui acknowledged the cooperation extended by the French government for preservation of archaeological sites in Pakistan including Mehrgarh site, and said France has rendered huge contribution in preservation of archaeological sites here.
The advisor said that training of Pakistani archaeologists by French experts will enable them conserve archaeological sites in Pakistan in better way and on modern lines.
Irfan Siddiqui said that Pakistan is enriched with valuable historical and cultural heritage and custodian of ancient civilizations of the world. He said that his division will conduct translations of the selected literature of French writers in Urdu language to educate our people about French culture and bring writers community of both the countries closer.
Speaking during the meeting, the French ambassador eulogized the efforts of Irfan Siddiqui for promotion of literature.
Marc BARETY said that he has studied Pakistani literature especially poetry of Allama Iqbal and realized that Pakistan owns precious asset of ancient civilizations.
The French envoy said that France will extend maximum cooperation to Pakistan for conservation of ancient sites and heritage and conduct trainings of Pakistani archaeologists.
The Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at French Embassy Andre de Bussy, the Deputy Counselor Olivier Huynh-van, the Joint Secretary NH&LH Division and the Managing Director National Book Foundation (NBF) Dr. Inam ul Haq Javed were also present in the meeting.
