Tazeen Akhtar
Mr. & Mrs.Nicolas Galey, the Ambassador of France in Pakistan hosted a grand reception at the French residence to celebrate National Day of France , the Bastille Day on 12 July 2024 in Islamabad. Bastille Day is the common name given in English-speaking countries to the national day of France, which is celebrated on 14 July each year. In French, it is called the Fête nationale française; legally it is known as le 14 juillet.
Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif sent a letter to the Ambassador of congratulations and warm feelings and meaningful words for the people of France on their National Day. Ambassador especially mentioned about the letter in his address and expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister.
This year France is the host of the 2024 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad and officially branded as Paris 2024, is an upcoming international multi-sport event scheduled to take place from 26 July to 11 August 2024 in France, with some competitions starting on 24 July.
Ambassador shared that in last year reception the Climate Change was our focus while today french hosting of upcoming Olympics in Paris is our theme. He spoke highly about the games as memorable event of the World. Pakistan is also participating in the Olympics and the Minister Aleem Khan said that Pakistani athletes will take part in the Olympics.
Federal Minister of Board of Investment, Privatization and Communications Abdul Aleem Khan was the chief guest who congratulated the people and government of France on this auspicious day. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, Senators Sherry Rehman and Saleem Mandviwala, Member National Assembly Dr. Farooq Sattar, Ex Federal Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad, former Minister health Dr Nadeem Jan, Additional Secretary Europe MOFA Shafqat Ali Khan, Chairperson Child Rights Commission Aysha Raza Farooq and many other government officials and important political figures were also present on the occasion.
Ambassador Benoît Guidée, Director (Asia & Oceania) French Foreign Ministry, Dean of diplomatic corp, Ambassador Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassadors of European Union, Germany, Italy,Poland, Romania, Norway, Bulgaria, other EU countries, Canada, Brazil, Brunei, Nepal, India, Algeria, Morocco,Japan, Republic of Korea, DHM Australia, DHM Kyrgyzstan, diplomats of USA and other countries were also present. It was the biggest event in diplomatic community in this year where the spacious lawn of the residence was fully packed with the guests from different walks of life.
Ambassador Nicolas Galey welcomed all the distinguished guest and briefed them on the historical significance of the French National Day, the Revolution of France 235 years ago. . He expressed his desire to increase trade and other affairs with Pakistan.
Bilateral Relations
H.E Nicolas Galey said that France is the partner of Pakistan in her development. He shed light on France Pakistan relations and cooperation in diversified sectors including education and GSP Status. He mentioned both countries are cooperating in Aviation Safety and Security as well.
Ambassador noted that the number of Pakistani students is growing in France. He referred to Erasmus education scholarships for Pakistani scholars. He also shared that thanks to GSP, Pakistan has become second biggest trade partner of EU.
Ukraine
Ambassador condemned Russian aggression against Ukraine and pledged that France will continue support for Ukraine. Ambassador of Ukraine Markiian Chuchuk was also present in the reception.
H.E Nicolas Galey made it clear that Russia will not be allowed to deprive Ukraine of her right of peace. He mentioned the participation of President Macron in recent NATO Summit in Washington and expressed hope for good results out of this Summit. He said that the aggression is violation of all international laws.
Gaza
Ambassador also touched the issue of Gaza in his speech. He said France calls for urgent ceasefire in Gaza. He recalled that President Macron supported the resolution of ceasefire at UNSC. On May 10, France favored the resolution brought by UAE.
Pakistan France Review Implementation of Roadmap of Bilateral Cooperation, signed in 2023
Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, in his address, said that France is important trade partner of Pakistan. Our bilateral relations are pivotal for mutual interest as well as international stability. He added that France has vast opportunities to invest in the fields of Minerals, Energy, Agriculture, Information Technology and Defense production.
He said that bilateral friendly relations between Pakistan and France has great significance as 125 thousand Pakistanis are residing in France.
He looked forward that the cooperation in trade, economy, education and cultural sectors will be increased in the future. He said bilateral cooperation is being strengthened day by day. He appreciated that Pakistan and France have already agreed on road map of bilateral trade and cooperation last year which is commendable.
Minister Aleem Khan paid tributes to the people of France, having historically wonderful traditions who have a consistent response towards shared progress and development in the world including Pakistan.
The delicious French and Pakistani cuisine was served to the guests that was mouth watering. Different cookies and snacks were also presented to the participants that added to the delight of the wonderful evening followed by rain in Islamabad turning the hot eve of July into pleasant weather.
