Newly appointed Ambassador of France to Pakistan Philippe Thiébaud called on Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Qaim Ali Shah at the CM House on Friday.
Warmly welcoming the ambassador, the CM said Pakistan-France relations have a long history and day by day these relations would be more strengthened further.
The CM said an elected and democratic government is working in Pakistan according to the country’s constitution.
He said former prime minister Benazir Bhutto had initiated the process of reconciliation and her policies are being adopted in every sphere, with the result that there is an atmosphere of understanding among almost all the major groups and political parities in the country.
All the political parties in the Sindh Assembly are jointly working for the welfare of the masses and for development in every part of the province, he added.
He also said Sindh has suffered a lot during 2010 and 2011 because of floods and torrential rains. Last year, more than 7 million people were adversely affected, but they were rescued, provided relief and the process of their rehabilitation is ongoing, he added.
He further said there is still the need of blankets, shelter, medicines and potable water to facilitate the affected people.
The ambassador said French architects are tirelessly working in Bhambhore and other historical sites of Sindh.
He said the French are fond of Sindhi music, and a festival of Sindhi music was recently held in Paris that was largely appreciated by the French.
He also said the French are working in different sectors of the province, whereas export from Pakistan increased up to 28 percent last year. A large number of Pakistanis are working in France, and many Pakistanis regularly visit French cultural centres, he added.
He further said the people of Sindh have been spending time in French cultural and information activities, and various programmes arranged for students and cultural artistes.
Later, the CM presented Sindh’s traditional gifts – ajrak, khais, Sindhi cap and shield – to the ambassador.