France, Feb. 17 -- Anne-Claire Legendre, a 46-year-old diplomat who advises President Emmanuel Macron on North Africa and the Middle East, was put forward on Tuesday by Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to become the first woman to head the institute. She would replace Lang, 86, a former culture minister who had led the organisation for 13 years.

The institute's board of directors - made up equally of Arab ambassadors and figures chosen by the French foreign ministry - was expected to confirm the appointment.

Founded in 1980 through an agreement between France and the 22 member states of the Arab League, the IMA serves as both a museum and a cultural centre dedicated to Arab history, art and language.

"The aim was to present the Arab w...