Ambassador Nicolas Galey sees Pakistan\u2019s efforts for restoration of peace in ME creating new prospects of growth for S. Asian nation
\nZUBAIR QURESHI
\nIslamabad
\nPakistan 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.
\nThe grand reception, held in the spacious backyard of the French Ambassador\u2019s residence, will long be remembered for its elegance and hospitality.
\nOrganizers made elaborate arrangements to beat the summer heat by installing chillers throughout the venue, allowing guests to comfortably enjoy the evening.
\nA 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.
\nThe evening became even more vibrant when Romanian musicians, brought together through the efforts of Romania\u2019s Ambassador Dan Stoenescu, performed Pakistan\u2019s national anthem in a unique fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions, drawing warm applause from the distinguished audience.
\nSpeaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan-France relations were steadily moving upward, particularly in business, trade and investment.
\nHe said economic reforms undertaken by the government had strengthened investor confidence and opened new opportunities for French companies.
\nHe appreciated France\u2019s continued support for Pakistan within the European Union, especially regarding the GSP+ trade framework, which has significantly benefited Pakistani exports.
\nHe expressed confidence that bilateral commercial relations would continue to expand, creating mutual prosperity and stronger strategic cooperation.
\nFrench Ambassador Nicolas Galey praised Pakistan\u2019s diplomatic efforts for regional peace, particularly its role in seeking a peaceful resolution to the Gulf conflict, and reaffirmed France\u2019s commitment to multilateralism and international law.
\nHe 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.
\nHe also announced France\u2019s additional \u20ac50 million contribution to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, reaffirming Paris\u2019s long-standing support for eliminating polio from Pakistan.
\nAmbassador Galey said France was keen to deepen its economic partnership with Pakistan and encourage more French companies to invest in the country.
\nHe described Pakistan\u2019s 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.
\nThe 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 Cam\u00e9lia Galey, whom he affectionately described as the \u201ctrue French ambassador in Pakistan\u201d for her leading role in organizing the memorable celebration.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ambassador Nicolas Galey sees Pakistan\u2019s efforts for restoration of peace in ME creating new prospects of growth for S. Asian nation ZUBAIR QURESHI Islamabad 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, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":556952,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-557025","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-national"],"yoast_head":"\n