French Week opens today, offering a glimpse into French art, culture

AMMAN — The second French Week will kick off its activities in Amman on Monday with cultural, musical and artistic events scheduled to take place, officials said on Sunday.

Amman Mayor Aqel Biltaji said the week, organised by the Franco Jordanian Chamber of Commerce (CAFRAJ), the French embassy and Institut Français in Amman seeks to strengthen bilateral ties and the connection between Amman and Paris.

“In the Greater Amman Municipality, we acknowledge the efforts of French projects and companies that contributed to development in the urban mobility and the communications sector, construction and many others,” Biltaji said at a press conference.

“We are celebrating the French Week to get a taste of the French lifestyle, in colours and different cultures… aiming to make Amman the city of brotherly love for such relations and events,” he added.

French Ambassador to Jordan David Bertolotti said the week will pave the way for more visibility and cooperation among Jordanian and French companies and brands.

“This French Week will be open to the public, to the Jordanian people… It is very important to offer public events,” Bertolotti said.

The 2016 French Week, he said, will focus on culture as a main element, including music, sculpture, street art and cinema. 

“We need culture, both to be entertained and to reflect on the world around us” especially in the current difficult times, he noted.

Bertolotti said the week not only aims at strengthening bilateral ties but also seeks to enhance trade and economic relations and to enrich the daily lives of the people of Amman.

The ambassador said he will also honour 150 Jordanian young achievers who have mastered the French language.

“It’s a French week, but France is with Jordan all year round. We stand by Jordan in all circumstances; the French people love Jordan, and French companies appreciate doing business with the Jordanians,” Bertolotti told reporters.

He said the French are the first European investors in the country, with investments totalling 1.5 billion euros.

CAFRAJ President Ahmad Armoush said the week will introduce “Le French Marche” at The Boulevard, located in Abdali area, with classical music played by Jordanian and French musicians and artists.

On November 21, French Sculptor Patrick Renauld will display his sculptures at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, following other events promoting French cuisine and different forms of art.

The activities of the week, which runs through November 26, will take place at The Boulevard, the National Gallery of Fine Arts, Abdali Mall, Terra Sancta College, Al Hussein Cultural Centre, Le Maridien Hotel and King Hussein Park, according to Armoush.