The National Day of France was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Serena Hotel on July 14.
According to a press statement issued on Friday, Law Minister Zahid Hamid was invited as the chief guest of the function. Various parliamentarians, diplomats, military officials and people from private sector graced the event.
The function started with playing the national anthem of both the countries. The chief guest Zahid Hamid along with the French Ambassador cut the cake on French National Day.
Hamid congratulated the French people on behalf of prime minister of Pakistan and people of Pakistan on French National Day.
“The French Revolution had great geographical, economic and political impacts on the world. The slogan of French Revolution “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity” is universally accepted today,” said Hamid.
“Pakistan considers France as a great partner in political and economic spheres. We are obliged for efforts of the French government for extending their support for Pakistan to get access to European market through GSP Plus status,” he further added.
“Both countries are collaborating in many spheres like railway, food processing, and high technology. The relations between both parliaments are increasing day by day,” he said.
He said, “Both countries worked closely for Climate Change Paris agreement. The government of Pakistan formally signed the Paris agreement in April this year. Before the Paris agreement, French Embassy in Pakistan and ministry of climate change organised several events for public awareness and involving the youth of Pakistan”.
The minister highlighted that the government of Pakistan is taking several steps to implement the Paris agreement. The prime minister of Pakistan has launched Green Pakistan Program to preserve forestry and wildlife in Pakistan, he added.
Ambassador of France to Pakistan Martine Dorance said while welcoming the guests, “The motto of French revolution: liberty, equality, and fraternity are still followed by the French people.”
The relations between Pakistan and France are very strong and long lasting. This indicates the strong binding relations between Pakistan and France that French President François Hollande met Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif twice, she added.
“The French companies like Loreal, Sanofi, Total, Parco, Bollore, Thales and Engie are doing great businesses in Pakistan,” she highlighted.
“France is becoming a destination for many young people of Pakistan for study purposes,” the French ambassador said while addressing the guests. She also presented Eid greetings to the audience in Urdu.