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Ambassador's Message
IT is my great pleasure and honour to convey for the first time my best wishes to the people of Bangladesh and my warmest regards to the French community in this country, on the occasion of the French National Day.
Bastille Day, as it is often called, commemorates the fight of the people of Paris in 1789 for destroying a prison that was, by itself, the symbol of the arbitrary power of the monarchy. What the French are really observing today is not only the storming of the Bastille, but also the “Fete de la Federation’’, an event that a year later consecrated the unity of our country and built the foundations of our nation. On 14 July 1790, delegates from all the provinces (of France) flocked to Paris to proclaim their allegiance to a single common nation. Therefore, today's commemoration has also to be seen as a symbol of national reconciliation.
On that occasion, the values upon which our democratic system is now founded, namely “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”, were proclaimed. Going far beyond the French territory, this motto was meant to be universally shared.
On the basis of such globally acclaimed democratic values, we recently experienced a major political changeover in France with the election of Mr. Francois Hollande as new President of the Republic. A new government has been set up, with M. Jean-Marc AYRAULT as Prime minister, and a new Parliament was elected. President I lollande has pledged himself to fight against the economic crisis, reduce the debt and boost economic growth, together with the other countries of the European Union.
As far as the French foreign policy is concerned, the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and France won't be affected,
because our priorities remain unchanged, and France will always stand by her friends.
The friendly relationship between France and Bangladesh has existed now for more than 40 years. Historic bonds between our two countries have continued to further strengthen from a bilateral standpoint, since the recognition of the independence of Bangladesh by France on February 12,1972.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the government of Bangladesh for having honoured the late French Minister for Culture and great philosopher, Mr. Andre Malraux, for his outstanding contribution during the liberation war in 1971. In March, this year, he was awarded the prestigious award titled “Friends of Honour”.
Concerning our privileged relationship with Bangladesh, France is contributing to the development of this country by cofunding projects run by the European Union. I am also pleased to inform you that the French Development Agency (AFD) is going to resume its activities and directly finance programs of cooperation in Bangladesh later this year. Furthermore, we believe that in export-oriented countries like Bangladesh, trade is as important as aid. France represents the fourth largest export market for Bangladesh, with revenues amounting to more than Euros 1,4 billion.
For many years, major French companies have chosen to invest in this country. One of the best examples would probably be the Lafarge cement factory, which, putting aside gas sector, is one of the most important foreign investors in Bangladesh. The recent success obtained by Bangladesh for its territorial maritime boundaries could open new opportunities for French companies, but also allow to start government to government technical cooperation in this area
as well (exploration of the maritime resources; surveillance; port infrastructures etc.). And we certainly hope that many more French companies in many other sectors will also come and invest in Bangladesh.
These are some of the main reasons why Bangladesh and France are such close friends. On many international issues related to multilateralism, cultural diversity and the protection of the environment, both our countries share the same views. In particular, we believe that economic development and poverty eradication are at the heart of the fight against climate change and that financial assistance should be urgently provided to the most climate vulnerable countries like Bangladesh, to prevent major natural disasters.
With regard to climate change, France, together with EU, has already expressed its solidarity with the developing countries, particularly with the poorest and the most vulnerable. France reminded the necessity to limit global warming to 2°C above preindustrial levels and to implement the Cancun Agreement, especially as regards transparency, mitigation, financing, adaptation, the spread of technologies and curbing deforestation.
Cultural cooperation between Bangladesh and France is also very important. Regarding the outstanding cultural heritage of this country, French and Bangladeshi archeologists are working together since 1993 on excavations at Mahasthangarh. During its last campaign, the joint mission made important discoveries, which will enlighten the history of one of the oldest cities in Bangladesh.
I should also mention that many talented artists, such as the sculptress Novera, the painter Shahabuddin Ahmed and the
recipient of the prestigious French Award (Knight) mime Partha Pratim Majumder, who have opted to settle down in Paris, contribute to showcase the richness of the multifaceted Bangladeshi culture in France.
Moreover, I wish to thank warmly the committees of Alliance Fran^aise de Dhaka and Chittagong, the French school, French NGOs and France-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) for their commitment in promoting the cooperation between our two countries.
Finally, on this gracious occasion, let me assure all that the French Embassy in Bangladesh will continue to further strengthen the friendly relations and actively promote the exchanges between our two countries. I wish every success and happiness to Bangladesh, France, and their people.
Long live France-Bangladesh friendship!