Bilateral relations between France and Pakistan need to be strengthened after enhancing cooperation in trade, investment and digital technologies. The declaration was made by the French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey when he called on the Chief Whip Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, in Islamabad on Monday. Mandviwalla stressed the need for enhancing inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries in the meeting.

He called for increased cooperation in trade, investment and areas of mutual interest. He said he “looked forward to seeing increased interaction in Pak-France Friendship Group.” He said that “there is need for the bilateral groups like the Pakistan-France Business Alliance to play a more active and engaging role in improving ties of the two countries.” Nicolas Galey for his part expressed satisfaction over the relationship between the two countries. He said he “feels proud that French companies are operating in Pakistan.

Assemblage of Peugeot in Karachi speaks of the friendship between the two countries.” He praised Pakistan’s efforts on successfully exiting the FATF grey list. He hoped that Pakistan will now benefit from an open international trade regime. “France was always supportive of Pakistan’s position,” he added.  He expressed his sadness over the lives lost during the recent floods. He added that “France’s contribution in relief and rescue operations in Pakistan, and French rescuers operating here is a perfect example of developing people-to-people contacts that would lead to the strengthening of bilateral ties.”  

He agreed with Mandviwalla’s assertion that parliamentary visits were an excellent means of improving and enhancing relations between the two countries.    The meeting ended on a good note when Ambassador Nicolas was presented with a memento. He thanked the Senator for his hospitality and assured him that he will personally work for developing stronger bilateral links between the two countries through various parliamentary and business avenues.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk