Paris, February 17 (QNA) - France's Arab World Institute has elected Anne-Claire Legendre, a senior diplomatic adviser to President Emmanuel Macron, as its new president, the institution announced on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Institut du Monde Arabe said Legendre was unanimously elected following a proposal by the French state, becoming the first woman to lead the Paris-based cultural body. She succeeds Jack Lang, who stepped down from the role.

Legendre is a career diplomat who began her service at the French embassy in Yemen before holding positions at the foreign ministry and at France's permanent mission to the United Nations. She later served as ambassador to Kuwait and, between December 2023 and February 2026, acted as diplomatic adviser on North Africa and the Middle East to Emmanuel Macron.

Founded in 1980, the Arab World Institute is regarded as one of the leading institutions dedicated to Arab-Islamic culture in France and Europe. It aims to promote the study of the Arab world in France, foster deeper understanding of its civilization and culture, and encourage cultural exchange and cooperation between France and Arab countries.

The institute's president is appointed on the proposal of the French president, in consultation with representatives of Arab states in France. (QNA)