THE centuries-old relationship between France and Scotland has been underlined in a new deal to collaborate in arts and culture.
The famed auld alliance between the two countries will be updated today with the signing of a new Statement of Intent to work together in cultural affairs.
Scotland's culture secretary, Fiona Hyslop, will sign the document in Paris along with Aurelie Filippetti, French minister of culture and communication.
The agreement involves Scotland and France promoting cultural activities "on each party's territory aiming at highlighting the other party's creativity", supporting collaboration between artists and promoting structuring partnerships between French and Scottish cultural institutions.
Ms Hyslop pointed to recent events involving France and Scotland, including Chanel's Metiers D'Art collection visiting Linlithgow last year and the new Asterix book, which is set in Scotland.
She added: "France and Scotland have shared over 700 years of economic and cultural connections. "
Ms Hyslop said the agreement would lead to concrete results, and now the Scottish Government will look at opportunities to work with the French Government and other French partners on creative industries and cultural projects.
Ms Filippetti said: "We both agree that culture is a unique means of expression but also a way of shared enrichment, social ties, mutual understanding and economic growth."
As part of her two-day trip to France, Ms Hyslop will visit a primary school on the outskirts of Paris, where she will take part in a language class and will also attend a reception hosted by the British Council.
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