Brussels on 5th of March 2008, the Board of Governors of the Anna Lindh Foundation formally elected André Azoulay as its first President for the period 2008 until 2011.

Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighourhood Policy, commented on Azoulay's election: “I am delighted by this news. André Azoulay is not only a personal friend but also a friend of the Mediterranean and a great champion of intercultural dialogue and understanding. He brings immense knowledge, wisdom and experience to this challenging position. I look forward to working with him in our common pursuit in the Euro-Mediterranean region.”

In his address to the Board of Governors, accepting their nomination M. Azoulay said: “I am honoured and delighted by the trust you have put in me with this nomination. The Mediterranean has not undergone a clash of civilisations. If there is a clash, it is a clash of ignorance. The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership is synonymous with an alliance of civilisations.

The mission, with which you have entrusted me, as President of the Anna Lindh Foundation, represents, for me, a life long vocation. The Foundation should be at the epicentre of the quest for mutual tolerance and understanding.”