Islamabad: H. E. Nicolas Galey, Ambassador of France to Pakistan hosted a reception on the occasion of the French National Day, known as Bastille Day.
This event was a significant moment in the French Revolution, symbolizing the struggle against oppression and the beginning of a new republic based on liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Bastille Day is celebrated throughout France with various festivities, including a large military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
French Ambassador Nicolas Galey and Pakistan’s Minister of Privatization, Investment Board and Communications Aleem Khan expressed their commitment to strengthen the friendship between their two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, French Ambassador Nicolas Galey highlighted the historical and cultural ties between France and Pakistan and also appreciated Pakistan’s active participation in the celebrations.
He emphasized that cultural exchanges are essential for strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation.
Ambassador Galey also highlighted France’s support for Pakistan’s development initiatives, particularly in the areas of sustainable energy, infrastructure development and vocational training.
Privatization Minister Aleem Khan, who was the chief guest at the French National Day, emphasized the importance of strong economic and trade relations between Pakistan and France.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to work closely with France to explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in trade, education and technology. We are committed to expanding our business relationships and exploring new opportunities for cooperation,” he said.
Both officials appreciated the contribution of the Pakistani community in France and the French community in Pakistan and recognized their role in bridging cultural and social differences.
On the occasion of potential initiatives to further strengthen people-to-people contacts and support cultural and academic exchanges, such as student exchange programs, joint cultural festivals and joint research projects.
Both the Ambassador and Privatization Minister Aleem Khan expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-France relations and emphasized the need for continuous dialogue and cooperation.
A number of diplomats, politicians and journalists attended the event, reflecting the importance of the occasion and the strong ties between the two nations.
Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party President and Federal Minister for Investment, Privatization and Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said that Pakistan highly values bilateral relations with all European countries and considers them very valuable. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said this while addressing as the chief guest at a ceremony held here on the occasion of the French National Day, where federal ministers, senators, members of the National Assembly, diplomats and prominent political, business and social personalities were present. Ambassador of France to Pakistan, H.E. Nicolas Galey welcomed all the distinguished guests and informed them about the historical significance of the French National Day.
In his speech, Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said that bilateral friendly relations between Pakistan and France are of great importance as 1.25 lakh Pakistanis are living in France while thousands of students are studying there. He said that Pakistan and France can flourish more in the field of trade, economy, education and culture where bilateral cooperation is being strengthened day by day. Abdul Aleem Khan appreciated that Pakistan and France had already agreed on a roadmap for bilateral trade and cooperation last year, which is commendable. Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party President and Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan while congratulating Ambassador H. E. Nicolas Galey and other 2562 participants on the National Day of France and said that the people of France who have historically wonderful traditions and consistently respond to progress and development.
Also present on the occasion were Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Senators Sherry Rehman and Saleem Mandviwala, Member of the National Assembly Dr. Farooq Sattar, former federal minister Fawad Hasan Fawad and prominent political figures.
