Ansar M Bhatti

ISLAMABAD, JUL 17 /DNA/ – Pakistan and France renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting regional peace during the celebrations of France’s National Day on Friday in Islamabad.

 Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who was the chief guest, highlighted Pakistan’s dedication to stability in the Middle East while underscoring the importance of economic cooperation with France.

 The event was attended by senior dignitaries including UN Under-Secretary Tom Fletcher and French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey.

Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Aurangzeb said Pakistan would continue its efforts to foster peace in the Middle East. He specifically mentioned that Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would sustain their mediation initiatives aimed at resolving ongoing tensions in the region.

 “Pakistan values its longstanding ties with France and remains committed to further deepening this relationship across multiple sectors,” Aurangzeb stated.

He also praised the Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) scheme, noting that Pakistan has benefited significantly from the trade arrangement with the European Union, of which France is a key member.

The minister emphasized that enhanced economic linkages under such frameworks have supported Pakistan’s export sector, job creation, and industrial growth.

French Ambassador Nicolas Galey, addressing the gathering, reflected on his tenure of over four and a half years in Pakistan. He expressed satisfaction at the progress made in bilateral relations during this period and reiterated France’s appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability. Ambassador Galey commended Pakistan’s efforts towards regional harmony and highlighted shared concerns on global issues. In a firm stance, he condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, stating that the conflict has resulted in the killing of innocent civilians. He also voiced strong support for the people of Palestine, calling for urgent attention to their plight and a just resolution to the longstanding issue.

The celebrations underscored the cordial diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both sides expressed optimism about future collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, education, culture, and defense.

France has been an important partner for Pakistan in various development projects, while Pakistan continues to serve as a bridge for dialogue in South and West Asia.

The National Day of France, also known as Bastille Day, commemorates the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the birth of modern republican values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The embassy’s event in Islamabad brought together diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and members of the Pakistani and French communities to celebrate this historic occasion.

Officials from both sides agreed that people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges would further solidify the friendship between the two nations. With Pakistan actively engaging in peace mediation and France advocating for international norms, the event reflected a convergence of views on pressing global challenges.

 As both countries look ahead, strengthened economic ties under GSP+ and continued diplomatic coordination are expected to open new avenues of cooperation, contributing positively to regional and global stability.