Ambassador Nicolas Galey hosts reception to celebrate French National Day

Celina Ali

Islamabad: French Ambassador to Pakistan, Nicolas Galey, on Friday hosted a reception to celebrate France’s National Day.

Bastille Day, referred to in France as “le Quatorze Juillet,” commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789. This event was a key turning point in the French Revolution, symbolizing the fight against oppression and the birth of a republic founded on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Today, Bastille Day is marked with nationwide celebrations in France, including a grand military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, showcasing France’s military strength and national pride.

During the Bastille Day celebrations in Islamabad, French Ambassador Nicolas Galey and Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Aleem Khan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the friendship between Pakistan and France. Ambassador Galey highlighted the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two countries and expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s active participation in the festivities. He emphasized that such cultural exchanges are essential for enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.

In his speech, Commerce Minister Aleem Khan emphasized the importance of strong economic and trade relations between the two nations. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with France to explore new avenues of collaboration, particularly in sectors such as trade, education, and technology. “The friendship between Pakistan and France is not only based on cultural ties but also on economic cooperation. We are dedicated to expanding our trade relations and exploring new opportunities for collaboration,” Minister Khan stated.

Both dignitaries acknowledged the significant contributions of the Pakistani community in France and the French community in Pakistan, highlighting their role in bridging cultural and social gaps between the two countries. They discussed potential initiatives to further enhance people-to-people contacts and facilitate greater cultural and academic exchanges, including student exchange programs, joint cultural festivals, and collaborative research projects.

Ambassador Galey also highlighted France’s support for Pakistan’s development initiatives, particularly in areas such as sustainable energy, infrastructure development, and vocational training. Both Ambassador Galey and Commerce Minister Aleem Khan expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-France relations, emphasizing the need for continuous dialogue and cooperation.

The event was attended by numerous diplomats, politicians, and journalists.