Pakistan and France pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation and work jointly for regional peace during France’s National Day celebrations held at the French Embassy in Islamabad. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who attended as chief guest, reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to support stability in the Middle East and stressed the need to expand economic collaboration with France.
The reception drew prominent guests including UN Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher, French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey, and Faisal Zahid Malik, Chairman & CEO of Pakistan Observer, along with senior officials, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the Pakistani and French communities.
H.E. Mr. Nicolas Galey, Ambassador of France to Pakistan, and his wife are seen with Mr. Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan, Paralympian Haider Ali and Faisal Zahid Malik, Chairman and CEO of Pakistan Observer and others at France’s National Day reception in Islamabad.
Speaking at the event, Aurangzeb said Pakistan remains committed to its historic friendship with France and will continue to strengthen ties across trade, investment, education, and defense. He noted that Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would persist with mediation efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East. The minister also highlighted the benefits Pakistan has gained from the EU’s GSP+ scheme, with France being a key EU partner. He said improved trade linkages under such frameworks have boosted Pakistan’s exports, created jobs, and supported industrial expansion.
Ambassador Nicolas Galey, marking over four and a half years in Pakistan, expressed satisfaction over the progress in Pakistan–France relations. He appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and regional harmony, and underlined shared positions on global matters. The Ambassador condemned the war in Ukraine and the loss of civilian lives, and also voiced France’s support for the people of Palestine, calling for a just and urgent
resolution.
