ZUBAIR QURESHI
Ambassador of France Dr Marc Barety on Friday hosted a farewell lunch for six journalists, from print and electronic media both, and briefed them about the French society and culture. There are many things one can learn from the French solution to the modern day challenges like urban planning, climate change, religious extremism and intolerance, law and order, social service, old homes, delivery and good governance. While wishing the media persons a happy, comfortable and exciting trip to France, Ambassador Marc Barety said they could draw many parallels between the Pakistani and the French societies and see where one can learn from the other’s achievements and likewise make improvement in that particular field. Press Consular of the embassy Veronique Wagner was also present on the occasion. The French embassy has short-listed these journalists who will be leaving in the first week of February for around seven-day visit to the country. A hectic but informative and entertaining trip awaits these journalists and they will have an opportunity to observe French people’s lifestyle and the working of the French government from close quartes. During their travel—all seven days in Paris—the journalists will be holding meetings with officials of the French government, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ambassador for Religious Affairs, Directress of Maison des Journalists (House of Journalists), Ambassador for Human Rights, Head of Cabinet of the National Consultative Commission for Human Rights, Equality Officer for Women and Men, Director of the DCP and Spokesperson and Representative of the Reporters Without Borders and many others. These journalists will also visit the National Assembly of France, popular tourist destinations including some museums, landmark points like Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Champs Elysees, River Seine depending upon the weather and if the tight schedule allowed them to do so.The ambassador asked the visiting journalists to make maximum use of their visit and see how the French have evolved into an open, secular hospitable and tolerant society. France’s social welfare system is also something the journalists are interested in studying as Prime Minister Imran Khan has been stressing this point in his statements and addresses to the nation. Meeting with French people, youth and business community, President of the France-Pakistan Friendship Group at the Assembly and the Group is also on cards. President of the group Mr Jean Bernard Sempastous is a well-known name in Pakistan’s business and diplomatic circles and has good knowledge of Urdu and the Pakistani culture.
