KARACHI, Jan 29: Though France greatly values Pakistan and many of its products – especially textiles – the security situation in the country needs to improve before French firms increase their investments in Pakistan.

This was stated by French Ambassador to Pakistan, Daniel Jouanneau, speaking as chief guest at a meeting hosted by the English Speaking Union of Pakistan at a local hotel on Thursday.

“One per cent of France’s total exports are to Pakistan, while the same is true for Pakistan’s exports to France. The security situation is a challenge. It is a precondition for the expansion of economic trade,” said the ambassador, speaking on the subject of ‘France, Europe, Pakistan – which partnerships for tomorrow.’

Mr Jouanneau, who was full of praise for Karachi, terming it a “key player in the partnerships” between Pakistan, France and Europe, dwelt on the various facets of the relationship between Pakistan and Europe.

“I speak as a European ambassador. Europe is part of our daily lives. It is a major partner of Pakistan. Look at Europe as a political partner. Europe is a political project,” he said, adding that the European project gained ground after the continent’s leaders said “never again” following the ravages of World War II. “We wanted to make war impossible” he said, explaining that this was done by combining interests, such as bringing coal and steel under a common European umbrella.

At the outset of his speech, Ambassador Jouanneau said as a Frenchmen, it was a privilege for him to be the guest of an English speaking union, saying that English and French were the only two languages taught on five continents. “Learning English is necessary. But if you are an English speaker, learning French makes sense.”

Talking about the expansion of the European Union, he said as the regional bloc expanded from six initial members to the present 27, there had been growing pains. “The economies were largely at an equal level before. Today the inequalities are larger.” He said the bloc shared values such as human rights, solidarity, and a free market based on social solidarity.

He added that there was a unique level of sovereignty sharing in Europe, while the euro – the bloc’s common currency, which was written off by sceptics as an impossibility – was “an instrument of relative stabilisation in the present economic crisis. We have extremely integrated economies. We hope one day Asean and Saarc can achieve what we have achieved without suffering from three wars.”

As for the nature of the Franco-Pakistani partnership, Mr Jouanneau said one of its main features was defence cooperation, as Pakistan had deployed the French-built and now indigenously manufactured Agosta submarine into its navy, while the French Mirage III and V jets also flew in Pakistan Air Force colours. He said Pakistani and French troops were also serving together in several peace-keeping missions around the world.

‘Fighting for peace’