ISLAMABAD: The French embassy celebrated the French National Day on Friday night with a call for an end to global conflicts and a warm welcome to the upcoming 33rd Olympic Games which would seek commitment of world leaders to promoting sports, fair play and respect.

French Ambassador Nicolas Galey and his wife Camelia Galey received congratulations from friends in the diplomatic corps and local guests on this significant occasion, including Aleem Khan, who is minister for privatisation, and Senator Sherry Rehman.

In his address, Ambassador Galey expressed gratitude for a letter from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which highlighted the strong relationship and friendship between Pakistan and France.

The French envoy reflected on the enduring relevance of the French Revolution’s universal message from 235 years ago, emphasising its importance today.

Ambassador Galey condemned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, criticising Russia’s actions.

“The Ukrainian people have been deprived of their right to live in peace within their internationally recognised borders and to decide their destiny,” he said, adding that this aggression violated international law and fundamental human rights, calling for global solidarity against it.

He reaffirmed France’s commitment to helping Ukraine, as French President Emmanuel Macron recently emphasised at the Nato summit in Washington.

The ambassador also addressed the prolonged violence in Gaza, noting that France had provided humanitarian aid earlier this year and called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, including French citizens.

He highlighted France’s efforts, alongside Jordanian, Egyptian and Chinese leaders, to implement Security Council resolutions and deliver unhindered humanitarian aid to the suffering population.

In May, France supported a resolution proposed by the UAE, which granted additional rights to Palestine.

Ambassador Galey emphasised the importance of defending human rights, including social, minority, workers, women and children rights.

He stressed the need for governments and international institutions to uphold these rights and praised the quality and intensity of cooperation with human rights NGOs and public organisations.

He highlighted the positive developments in bilateral relations between France and Pakistan, noting the significant increase in university cooperation and the growing number of Pakistani students studying in France, many of whom benefit from the European Erasmus Plus programme.

“These are the seeds of the future for the relationship between the two countries,” he added.

The ambassador also mentioned a new agreement with the Ministry of Aviation, which aimed to enhance cooperation between French and Pakistani civil aviation experts in aviation safety and security.

He underscored the importance of the relationship between Pakistan and the European Union, particularly the GSP Plus agreement, which had made the EU Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Galey expressed excitement for the 33rd Olympic Games, set to begin in France in just 13 days.

The event would bring together 206 nations and over 10,000 athletes, followed by the 27th Paralympic Games with 91 nations participating in 22 disciplines.

He highlighted the games as an opportunity to demonstrate the values of the Olympic movement, including fair play and respect, and to promote the objectives of the 2030 UN agenda for sustainable development.

Concluding his speech, Ambassador Galey thanked his Pakistani friends for their warm hospitality, expressing hope for continued strong relations between France and Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2024