ZUBAIR QURESHI
Islamabad
Ambassador of France, Mr Nicolas Galey on Tuesday bade farewell to his outgoing colleague and the Head of Press and Political Section of the French Embassy Mr Sokrarith Henry and expressed best wishes for his future endeavours.
As the small but well-organized event was attended mostly by journalists, media persons and members of civil society who have been close friends of both the ambassador the outgoing head of the press section, the French envoy without mincing words also reaffirmed France’s commitment to freedom of expression and human rights, calling them strong foundations of democracy.
The ambassador particularly mentioned absence of one of the prominent voices of media Asad Ali Toor who could not attend the farewell due to a scheduled appearance before the National Council of Cyber Investigations and Accountability (NCCIA). Mr Nicolas Galey used the context to reiterate that the protection of journalists and the defense of free expression remain central to France’s global foreign policy.
We have been raising the issues such as freedom of opinion and political discourse with the Pakistani government and will keep doing so as they are the fundamental values of the French foreign policy, he said.
he commended Mr Henry Sokrarith for maintaining deep friendly ties between the embassy and local journalists and members of civil society.
Ambassador Galey praised Henry for his dedicated service, particularly his work in managing the sensitive human rights portfolio and building robust relations with media professionals across Pakistan.
In his word of thanks, Henry Sokrarigh expressed gratitude to the ambassador for organizing the farewell despite the fact he had returned from Paris only a day earlier, the staff members particularly those of his sections for extending cooperation during his tenure.
Since the day one I have been fortunate to enjoy your trust and support, he said. He also thanked the media friends and members of civil society for their support and response to many important issues. The farewell was attended by eminent human rights voices like Dr Pervaz Hoodbhoy, Secretary General of the HRCP, Harris Khalique and others.
