Ambassador Nicolas Galey sees Pakistan’s efforts for restoration of peace in ME creating new prospects of growth for S. Asian nation
ZUBAIR QURESHI
Pakistan and France have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic cooperation, investment, education and people-to-people ties as the Embassy of France hosted a memorable Bastille Day reception in Islamabad on Friday, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders and members of civil society.
The grand reception, held in the spacious backyard of the French Ambassador’s residence, will long be remembered for its elegance and hospitality. Organizers made elaborate arrangements to beat the summer heat by installing chillers throughout the venue, allowing guests to comfortably enjoy the evening. A lavish spread of traditional French cuisine, including the celebrated fromage et du pain (cheese and bread), premium meat and beef specialties, and an assortment of exquisite French desserts, was served throughout the reception.
The evening became even more vibrant when Romanian musicians, brought together through the efforts of Romania’s Ambassador Dan Stoenescu, performed Pakistan’s national anthem in a unique fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions, drawing warm applause from the distinguished audience.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan-France relations were steadily moving upward, particularly in business, trade and investment. He said economic reforms undertaken by the government had strengthened investor confidence and opened new opportunities for French companies. He appreciated France’s continued support for Pakistan within the European Union, especially regarding the GSP+ trade framework, which has significantly benefited Pakistani exports. He expressed confidence that bilateral commercial relations would continue to expand, creating mutual prosperity and stronger strategic cooperation.
French Ambassador Nicolas Galey praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional peace, particularly its role in seeking a peaceful resolution to the Gulf conflict, and reaffirmed France’s commitment to multilateralism and international law. He highlighted the remarkable growth in educational exchanges, noting that the number of Pakistani students studying in France had increased from just 200 four years ago to nearly 7,000 this year. He also announced France’s additional €50 million contribution to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, reaffirming Paris’s long-standing support for eliminating polio from Pakistan.
Ambassador Galey said France was keen to deepen its economic partnership with Pakistan and encourage more French companies to invest in the country. He described Pakistan’s GSP+ status with the European Union as a major pillar of bilateral trade and expressed hope that Pakistan would successfully qualify for the next GSP+ scheme.
The ambassador also thanked Finance Minister Aurangzeb, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, members of the diplomatic corps, sponsors, embassy staff and his wife Camélia Galey, whom he affectionately described as the “true French ambassador in Pakistan” for her leading role in organizing the memorable celebration.
