France has a lot to learn from Pakistan's resilience, ambassador tells PM

Published November 17, 2015
French Ambassador to Pakistan Martine Dorance said the French people and government had a lot to learn from the Pakistani nation. —DawnNews screengrab
French Ambassador to Pakistan Martine Dorance said the French people and government had a lot to learn from the Pakistani nation. —DawnNews screengrab
PM Nawaz said Pakistan was ready to assist the French government in this hour of need. —DawnNews screengrab
PM Nawaz said Pakistan was ready to assist the French government in this hour of need. —DawnNews screengrab

ISLAMABAD: In a visit to the French Embassy here Tuesday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif extended condolences for the lives lost during the Nov 13 terrorist attacks which hit Paris, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister House.

Speaking to the prime minister, French Ambassador to Pakistan Martine Dorance said the French people and government had a lot to learn from the Pakistani nation and government's resilience.

The premier said Pakistan shares the pain and grief of the French people.

"This is an appalling incident and we ourselves are the victim of terrorism," the prime minister said.

PM Nawaz said Pakistan was ready to assist the French government in this hour of need. —DawnNews screengrab
PM Nawaz said Pakistan was ready to assist the French government in this hour of need. —DawnNews screengrab

Nawaz said Pakistan was ready to assist the French government in this hour of need and will share its expertise on counter-terrorism efforts with French officials.

Ambassador Dorance thanked the prime minister for this gesture.

Earlier on Monday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif condoled the deaths of the Paris terror attacks at the French Embassy.

Asif wrote a message in a condolence book at the French Embassy in Islamabad and observed a minute of silence alongside the staff in honour of the victims of the attack.

Take a look: Paris attacks: Khawaja Asif extends condolences to the French

At least 129 people were killed in the attacks claimed by the self-styled Islamic State group in the French capital. Gunmen and suicide bombers attacked various locations, including a concert hall, restaurants and the national stadium.

Pakistan had earlier "strongly" condemned the attacks and reiterated its condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations.

"We stand with them in their hour of grief," the Foreign Office had said in a statement at the time.

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