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Tuesday, May 19, 1998
Mr Jean Tiberi,The Mayor of Paris, I would like to express, to you and the people of your bright city, Paris, my appreciation and gratitude for this warm welcome given to us right from the first moment of our arrival. It is my pleasure to visit the headquarters of Paris Mayorship, the wonderful masterpiece of architecture which vividly reflects the glamour of the French architecture in the 19th Century. As any visitor to this unique city, glittering with light and attracting intellectuals, writers and artists from all parts of the globe, I can feel its overwhelming vitality. I am also extremly impressed with the achievements already accomplished by the city's leadership over the past years so as to keep this ancient city always youthful and for ever magnificent. Coming from Cairo, which has been and will remain, God willing, a beacon of civilization and science on the banks of the Great Nile, I am pleased to convey sincere greetings from Egypt to Paris; the city of light on the banks of River Sein and its hospitable people. The close ties and relations between Egypt and France are embodied before our eyes in the historical Egyptian obelisk, presented by Muhammad Ali Pasha to the King of France in 1830. This obelisk is set up at the most beautiful spot in the heart of Paris; Concorde Square, as a lasting and lofty symbol of friendship between both countries and peoples. As well we can see that a few days ago a golden capping was added, as an expression of deep appreciation of the unique aesthetic and cultural values the obelisk symbolizes. While Egypt meritoriously takes pride in the Pyramids which were established by our ancestors, meeting the challenges of time and place, Paris has decided to have a modern pyramid of its own, built at the entrance of Louvre Museum. This reflects French fondness of Egypt; its civilization and early achievements in architecture, engineering and astronomy. Anyone touring Paris should notice manifestations of grandeur and elevated taste at every corner around the city. One can not miss the influence of Egyptian art and civilization on the engineers and designers of the buildings of the French capital. Several designs and aesthetic touches were inspired from this geniune art and blended in exquisite harmony with ancient French design lines. This fact confirms the unity of human creativity and innovation over ages. While Pairs is known as the centre of fashion and high taste, it is also the showcase of science and culture, it was the destination of our young students during the 19th and 20th centuries. In France, with its advanced scientific institutions, they found a centuries-old bridge of cultural and civilizational linkage between Europe and Arab and Islamic world. We are all interested in increasing cooperation in all fields symbolized by both Paris and the centenarian city of Cairo. It is the city where we are striving hard to conserve its ancient history, beautify its present and safeguard its future. I do feel happy whenever I come to this unique city and wish continued prosperity and progress for the city, its people and leadership. Thank you very much. |
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