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French ambassador says relations with Pakistan on the move  

 

ISLAMABAD, JUL 15 (DNA) = Ambassador of France Marc Barety has said unity is vital for France, for Pakistan and for the international community adding France greatly values relations with Pakistan and is looking forward to further strengthening these relations.

 

The French ambassador expressed these views while speaking on the occasion of French National Day.

 

He further said, “We see today a growing number of threats looming large on the international system; populism terrorism, trade wards, disrespect of our common standards, attempts to dismantle the multilateral system”. Peace is at risk at a time when we celebrate the end of World War I, a century ago, he added.

ISLAMABA,D JULY 15: Federal Minister for Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs and Information Minister Syed Ali Zafar, Ambassador of France Marc Barety and others cutting cake to celebrate National Day of France. DNA PHOTO
ISLAMABA,D JULY 15: Federal Minister for Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs and Information Minister
Syed Ali Zafar, Ambassador of France Marc Barety and others cutting cake to celebrate National Day of
France. DNA PHOTO

The Ambassador went on to say the French president Macron has decided to gather the Paris Forum for Peace from 11th to 13th November. The goal is to bring together all the forces that believe in multilateralism, collective action, cooperation and regulation. These tools are not perfect, but they are indispensable to confront successfully the major challenges we are facing from climate change to migration, terrorism or Internet disorders.

 

Ambassador Barety said, we have leant two lessons that governments cannot act efficiently in isolation and secondly the West cannot cope alone. This is why in addition to representative of various states, we will invite International organizations, NGOs local or provincial governments, municipalities, trade unions, religions groups, companies, journalists, experts etc.

 

He said unity was also a must in the EU and he was happy that in spite of the turmoil, its member states have chosen to move forward to make the EU stronger and more protective for its citizens.

 

He said both Pakistan and France believe in multilateral fora and international cooperation. Both are heavily involved in peace keeping operations. We have agreed to take our dialogue a step further and explore new avenues.

 

In nine months of mission in Pakistan, I have understood the humongous potential of this country and seen good progresses in our relationship; parliamentary, business delegation and fora in Paris, or Dubai, a higher education week in Paris,  Lyon and Grenoble.

The ambassador said “ I am not fully happy with this, and  there is space for more trade, more investments, more contacts. I know that I can rely on the stamina, help and assistance of our friends in Pakistan, officials or civil society, whom I thank for their warm hospitality.’

 

The ambassador paid special tribute to all those working on a daily basis to enhance France, Pakistan bilateral relationship. Mrs. Valerie Khan, an elected representative of the vibrant  and active French community in Pakistan, a well known human rights activist and chairperson of Alliance Francaise Islamabad, as well as the chairpersons of Alliance Francaise Karachi, Bina Shah and Alliance francaise Lahore Shaukat Hassan are playing vital role in promotion of bilateral relations.

 

The ambassador also recognized role of youth and said many of you were present at the French embassy to attend the opening of an exhibition of NCA artists titled “The Real and its Double”. Their production was impressive and deserved to be praised.

 

It may be mentioned here that the winners of the exhibition contest were given prizes. Those who got prizes included Faryal Yazdanie, Yaseen Khan, Hina Asghar, Farkhanda Ashraf, hafsa Faryal, Muneed Faraz, Wajiha Batool, Aimeen Manzoor.

Later the guests were served with traditional French cuisines.=DNA

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