Islamabad: Pakistan and France reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional peace during celebrations marking France’s National Day (Bastille Day) at the French Embassy in Islamabad.
Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, the chief guest at the event, emphasized Pakistan’s continued commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East while highlighting the importance of expanding economic cooperation with France.
The reception was attended by senior diplomats, government officials, business leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, UN Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher, and French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey.
Addressing the gathering, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan would continue supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peace and dialogue in the Middle East. He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir would continue diplomatic efforts to help reduce regional tensions.
“Pakistan values its longstanding friendship with France and remains committed to further strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors,” Aurangzeb said.
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He also praised the Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) arrangement, noting that Pakistan has benefited significantly from enhanced access to European Union markets. He said the trade framework has contributed to export growth, job creation, and industrial development in Pakistan.
French Ambassador Nicolas Galey reflected on his more than four-and-a-half years of service in Pakistan, expressing satisfaction over the progress achieved in bilateral relations during his tenure. He appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability and reaffirmed France’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Islamabad.
The ambassador also addressed international issues, condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine and expressing support for the Palestinian people while calling for a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue.
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Both countries expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture, defense, and development. Officials agreed that stronger people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges would further deepen the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and France.
The event commemorated Bastille Day, observed annually on July 14, marking the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789—an event widely regarded as the beginning of the French Revolution and a symbol of the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
The reception concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to closer diplomatic coordination and stronger economic partnership, expressing confidence that future collaboration would contribute to regional and global peace and stability.
