France and the KRG decided to open the centre following President Barzani’s visit to Paris in June, when he met President Sarkozy and a protocol agreement was signed which created a framework for partnerships in several fields.
Ambassador Bouillon said that this is a concrete step towards building ever stronger relations between France and Iraq, which already have historic ties.
Lafarge, a French multinational cement company, is contributing 250,000 euros towards the restoration of the two houses, which will be undertaken by IFPO, IFPO promotes academic and scientific links between France and the Middle East.
Mr Bruno Laffont, Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge, said, “Lafarge is honoured to be associated with this project. We have been in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region for three years, and are very proud to employ more than 3,000 Iraqis. We are very happy to be the local supplier for this wonderful project, in partnership with IFPO and the High Commission for the Erbil Citadel Revitalization.”
The ceremony was also attended by several KRG ministers, the Governor of Erbil Nawzad Hadi, Francois Burjot of IFPO; and Dara Yacubi, Head of the High Commission for the Erbil Citadel Revitalisation (HCECR). Representatives of universities, cultural institutions and civil society also participated in the ceremony.
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